KALASIN: The Appeal Court on Tuesday upheld the death sentence handed down to a former village chief for the rape and fatal assault of an 18-year-old student in 2015.
Krittidech Rawengwan, 36, formerly chief of Ban Si Than village in Kalamalai district, was condemned to death by the Kalasin Provincial Court in March last year after finding him guilty of the rape and physical assault causing death of Ruadeewan Polprasit on Dec 23, 2015.
The lower court also ordered him pay 2.3 million baht, plus interest, in compensation to the family of the victim. The defendant appealed against the ruling.
The Appeal Court’s decision to uphold the lower court’s judgement was read out at the Kalasin Provincial Court on Tuesday.
The family of the victim and relatives were delighted with the ruling. The teenage victim's mother, Lamyai Polprasit, thanked the court for ensuring justice for her daughter and Thais across the country for their moral support for the family.
Ruadeewan was travelling home from school when her attacker kicked and knocked over her motorcycle, then dragged her into a rice field on the side of the Ban Si Than-Ban Nong Muang road around 6.40pm on Dec 23, 2015. She fought back but was unable to prevent him raping her.
She was severely beaten during the attack and died from her injuries. According to the autopsy report, Ruadeewan suffered a ruptured liver during the attack, which eventually killed her. (continues below)
Krittidech was arrested on April 4, 2016 and the case was filed with the court on June 4, 2016. He was charged with rape and physical assault causing death.
Pattranit Polprasit, 31, elder sister of the victim, said she was satisfied with the ruling. Her innocent sister had not died unavenged. Anyone who murders must face the consequence of their actions.
She wanted her sister's soul to know that the family had fought for justice for her - and that justice was now served.
