Former Kat-tun idol pleads guilty to marijuana possession

Japan Times -- Jul 12

Junnosuke Taguchi, a former member of male idol group Kat-tun, pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing marijuana in the first hearing of his trial at the Tokyo District Court.

His partner, former actress Rena Komine, who faces the same charge, also entered a guilty plea. The two said there was “no mistake” in their indictment.

Prosecutors sought a six-month jail term for both, saying they have used marijuana for some 10 years and there is a high likelihood of re-offending.

The trial concluded Thursday and the court is due to hand down a ruling July 30. The defense is seeking a suspended sentence.

The 33-year-old Taguchi, wearing a black suit, told the court that Komine, 38, introduced him to marijuana and he began using it for stress relief.

“I betrayed my fans and people around me as well as myself. I want to rehabilitate and lead a decent life,” he said, adding he wants to continue his career in acting and maintain his relationship with Komine.

Komine said she suffered from sleep and eating disorders due to harassment she received after her relationship with Taguchi was reported by media, and she began using marijuana as a way of coping.

According to the indictment, Taguchi and Komine were found in possession of about 2.2 grams of marijuana on May 22 at the Tokyo apartment they shared.

Jul 12 (ANNnewsCH) - 乾燥大麻を所持していたとして起訴されたアイドルグループ『KAT-TUN』の元メンバー、田口淳之介被告(33)と女優の小嶺麗奈被告(38)の初公判が11日に開かれた。大麻を使用した理由について、田口被告は「仕事や人間関係のストレスがあった」と供述。小嶺被告は、田口被告との交際後に「悪質なファンからの嫌がらせによるストレスがあった」と述べた。田口被告との交際について聞かれると「続けていきたい。今後、交際を続けるなら結婚したい」と話した。また、田口被告も「僕も続けていきたい」と語った。検察側は、常習性があり再犯の恐れがあることから、2人に懲役6カ月を求刑。一方、弁護側は、更生に2人の絆が必要だと訴え、それぞれに執行猶予付きの判決を求めている。判決は30日に言い渡される。