A former security guard was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison for setting off an explosion last year at an automated teller machine kiosk in central Osaka.
Satoshi Ueno, 37, was convicted of arson and stealing money entrusted to the Osaka-based security service company for which he worked. At that time, the company was tasked with delivering cash for ATMs belonging to Asahi Bank, which is now Resona Bank.
In handing down the ruling, presiding Judge Takeshi Uegaki of the Osaka District Court said Ueno's actions were premeditated and selfish, and they had a big impact on society given that he caused a major explosion near many passersby.
The sentence fell short of prosecutors' demand for 12 years in prison.
According to the court, Ueno, who was in debt, stole a total of 26.5 million yen, which he was supposed to have delivered to the bank's ATMs in Osaka's Chuo Ward, on two occasions in May and June last year.
To conceal his theft, he set fire to two ATMs by igniting gasoline June 18. This caused an explosion in which three passersby and Ueno.
Ueno sustained serious burns to his face and other parts of his body.
He was hospitalized after the incident, so police delayed arresting him until last January, when he had recovered from his injuries.