The Pailin Provincial Court yesterday sentenced a man to life in prison for burning down a house in November, killing a family of three.

Judge Mok Pheang confirmed the sentence, but declined to comment in detail.

Heng Sok Neath, deputy director of Pailin Provincial Prison, said perpetrator Chhorm Chamnan, 33, had been sentenced on a charge of premeditated murder and ordered to pay 70 million riel (about $17,500) in compensation to the victims’ family.

Chamnan was accused of murdering Sala Krao commune clerk Heng Ravy, 25; his 24-year-old wife, Thy Malay; and their 6-month-old daughter, Heng Mouykea, police officials said at the time.

According to police, Chamnan – who was angry that the couple refused to lend him about $30 – had entered their home at about midnight, bound Ravy and Malay then poured gasoline around the premises and set the house ablaze.

He was arrested after being shot in the leg while trying to flee.

Ann Sam Ath, Sala Krao commune chief, welcomed the verdict yesterday, calling the murder “very cruel”.