Nightclub shooting sentences delivered

The son of a high-ranking customs official and his bodyguard were sentenced to eight months and two years in prison, respectively, over a shooting at a Phnom Penh nightclub owned by tycoon Kith Meng last March.

Keo Vitou, the 24-year-old son of Customs Department chief Keo Sokheang, and his bodyguard Run “Roy” Bunthoeun, were sentenced on May 8 at a closed-door hearing for firing 11 rounds from an AK-47 assault rifle into the Rock Entertainment Centre in Boeung Trabek commune at about 2am on March 15. Three people were injured in the incident.

“The court has sentenced Keo Vitou to eight months in prison, and a fine of 2 million riel [about $500],” Veng Huoth, presiding judge of Phnom Penh Municipal Court, said. “Run Bunthoeun was given two years and fined 4 million riel [about $1,000].”

Huoth added that the men were charged with intentional damage with aggravating circumstances, intentional violence with aggravating circumstances and the possession and transport of weapons and firearms without permission.

Lawyers for the accused could not be reached for comment yesterday.