The eldest son of tycoon Duong Ngiep is a free man, the bulk of his three-and-a-half-year prison sentence dropped in lieu of travel strictures and a prohibition on his drinking alcohol.

Duong Otdom Chhorvin, also known as Duong Chhay, 24, was arrested in April along with his brother Duong Kimlong, 17, and their bodyguard, Ly Rayuth, 20, after the trio beat a man at a restaurant in the capital, according to court documents.

Chhay was convicted of illegal weapons possession, assault and destruction of property, and sentenced by Phnom Penh Municipal Court to three and a half years. He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in damages and fined $1,750.

Yesterday, defence lawyer Nach Try said the tycoon’s son was released after just six months served.

“My client was released from the prison about two weeks ago. Although … the court has not dropped charges against him,” he told the Post.

But according to his lawyer, Chhay is still feeling the burden of his crime.

“He was released, but he has not received his full freedom,” Try said. “He is prohibited by the court from drinking, using a weapon and travelling to another country. I think that this court’s prohibitions have seriously infringed on his rights.”

President of the Appeal Court You Bunleng and his vice president, Chuon Sunleng, could not be reached for comment yesterday regarding why the convicted man was released.

Chhay’s younger brother, Kimlong, received a five-month suspended sentence and a $125 fine. Bodyguard Ly Rayuth was released after the court found him innocent.