The Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday ordered an inmate to pay compensation to the head of Prey Sar prison’s women’s unit after she allegedly swore at him following an invasive cavity search.

“The court orders the defendant Tep Sreypov to pay 1 million riel [about $250] to the plaintiff and 1 and a half million riel [about $375] to the state,” said judge Mong Mony Sophea.

The charge against Sreypov, 34, was filed by prison chief Klot Dara following an episode in which Dara’s daughter, Klot Kanika gave Sreypov a private cavity search while looking for drugs.

The complaint alleged that Sreypov had called Dar and his daughter “dogs”, along with other, more profane terms.

In his initial complaint, Dara said the case was to “warn other prisoners not to do so”.

After the trial yesterday, Sreypov, who represented herself in the proceedings, said she accepted the decision and would not appeal.

Sreypov is currently serving time on drug offences, and is under investigation for allegedly dealing while inside.