Tokyo Train Stabbing: Kyota Hattori Sentenced to 23 Years for Using A Joker Costume During A Fatal Train Attack in Tokyo

A Japanese court handed down a 23-year prison sentence to a man who, dressed as the Joker on Halloween two years ago, stabbed a passenger and set fire to a Tokyo express train, causing injuries to twelve people. 

The Tokyo District Court's Tachikawa branch found 26-year-old Kyota Hattori guilty of attempted murder, for stabbing and seriously injuring a senior male passenger, and attempting to kill others by setting the train on fire.

During the trial, Hattori admitted that he carried out the attack because he was devastated when he learned that his girlfriend had married someone else shortly after their breakup. 

He wanted to end his life and sought the death penalty as a way out.

The judge described the attack as an indiscriminate crime with a selfish motive, targeting innocent passengers who happened to be on the train.

Prosecutors asked for 25 years in prison, arguing that the attack was planned, and Hattori deliberately chose a special express train to limit passengers' chances of escape. 

Witnesses reported that he dressed up like the Joker character from Batman comics during the attack.

On the other hand, the defense lawyers requested a 12-year sentence, arguing that the attack did not constitute attempted murder as most passengers were out of reach when the fire was set.

Gun-related crimes are rare in Japan due to strict gun control laws, but there have been notable knife attacks in recent years, including on subways. 

Authorities are increasingly concerned about homemade weapons and explosives.

To enhance safety, train operators in major cities have implemented security measures, such as installing security cameras in train cars and conducting safety drills more frequently.

In another news a man has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing his wife to death while he was under the influence of drugs. See detailed story here.

[SOURCE]