A man found guilty of raping his 13-year-old stepdaughter was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined two million riel, or about $500, in compensation.
Thouch Sokha, 33, was convicted Monday by Judge Meng Tony at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
Mr. Sokha previously admitted to touching the girl inappropriately, but denied he had sex with her.
The accusation was brought to court by the girl’s grandmother, who wanted custody of the child after her son, the girl’s father, passed away several years ago.
The girl’s mother, who will receive the compensation payment as the girl is a minor, testified against her husband in court.
The victim’s lawyer, Neang Hai, said the sentence was not tough enough and the stepfather deserved the maximum sentence.
“For this case he should be punished from seven years to 15 years,” Mr. Hai said.
Morn Vimeanchampa, defense lawyer for the convicted man, also said he felt the verdict was unfair and would appeal.
