Two of three convicts involved in an assault case against another inmate at Prey Sar prison had their appeal heard on Thursday.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court has previously handed down a two-year jail term on San Long, 25, Pun Dam, 24 and Chivoan for assaulting another inmate in his cell on April 5, 2017, resulting in the victim’s collapse.

The verdict translated to two additional years on top of the trio’s existing sentence at the time. They each had been previously convicted of theft with a two-year jail term.

During Thursday’s Appeal Court hearing, Presiding Judge Nhoung Thol said only two of the three convicts had filed an appeal.

“The victim was kicked in the chest. If it hit a critical spot, the victim could have died,” Judge Thol told the duo.

One of the convicts, Dam, defended his actions, saying the fight started because the victim had insulted him.

“I was angry with him. I could have been released in 2017, but because I committed this offence, I am still locked up at the prison,” said Dam. “I ask the court to reduce my sentence.”

Long told the judge that he did not attack the victim, even though he had been accused of directing his assault in the victim’s facial area.

Prosecutor Pen Sarath said the two convicts had admitted that they indeed committed assault.

After the 20-minute hearing, Judge Thol said the verdict will be announced on June 13.