An off-duty police officer was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday for shooting a civilian following a traffic dust-up involving his wife.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court found municipal penal police officer Luy Vuthy guilty of shooting a moto driver in Phnom Penh last year. All charges against his wife, Eng Liheang, who was tried as an accomplice, were dropped.

“Luy Vuthy [35] is convicted to three years [for] causing injuries under aggravated circumstances and illegal weapon use,” presiding judge Sous Sam Ath told the court.

Municipal penal police officer Huoth Sothy said the argument between the couple and victim Ham Chantrea, 40, had commenced following a motorbike crash. Vuthy’s wife called him to the scene, and he fired at Chantrea, severely injuring his foot.

Vuthy said he was unwilling to accept the court’s decision, claiming his gun had malfunctioned while he “merely … pointed at the victim”.

An appeal is already filed.