That’s the finding of this study, which appears to recommend lengthening sentences.

A study has found that two in three sex offenders have committed a separate offense, including sex crimes.

According to the results of a survey of 341 people convicted of sexual assault (rape) in 1999 and 2000, conducted with the permission of the Supreme Court by Hallim University professor of psychology Jo Eun-gyeong, 64.2 percent (219) of the convicts had been convicted of other crimes, including sexual assaults.

The 219 recidivists had committed an average of 2.35 other crimes, and went an average 3 years and 5 months before being caught.

Of the 341 convicts, including the 35.8 percent who were non-recidivists, 11.1 percent (38) were convicted of a sex crime and the remaining 53.1percent (181) were convicted of a non-sex offense.

66 had records of sex offenses before the survey began, and 72.7 percent (48) of them re-offended with 28.8 percent (19) committing a new sex offense.

The study also found that re-offenders who were young and had previously served time in prison were greater re-offense risks.

Prof. Jo said, “We found that non-recidivists had received longer sentences than recidivists… This could be seen as meaning severe sentences are effective, but it could also mean that full consideration is not given to recidivism risks at the time of sentencing.”