Utsunomiya, Jan 12 (News On Japan) - A 37-year-old man charged with kidnapping and fatally assaulting a woman, before disposing of her body in a forest in Tochigi Prefecture, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence.
The defendant, Manabu Umabe (37), was accused of conspiring with his wife and others in 2019 to kidnap a 24-year-old woman within Tochigi Prefecture, confining her in an apartment, subjecting her to physical assaults, and ultimately causing her death. Following the verdict on January 11, the Utsonomiya District Court pointed out, "The defendant subjected the woman to long-term captivity, repeatedly assaulted her, and even used handcuffs with the intention of forcing her into prostitution."
The court emphasized, "The actions severely violated the dignity of a human being, and the suffering endured by the woman is beyond imagination. The heinous nature of this crime is unparalleled," in sentencing the defendant Umabe to 20 years in prison.
Source: ANNnewsCH