A Chinese national was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison yesterday for the rape of a 14-year-old acquaintance nearly one year ago.

In addition to the seven-year sentence, Luo Chintong, a 39-year-old former finance manager of Global Taxi Company in Phnom Penh, was ordered to pay 12 million riel, about $3,000, to the victim.

“The court has found that Lou Chintong is guilty as accused,” said Sous Sam Ath, presiding judge of Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

Chintong was arrested by anti-human trafficking police in the capital’s Chamkarmon district in March, after the victim’s parents discovered her unconscious and bleeding on a bed in their home.

Chintong knew the family, who sometimes sold him fish and vegetables from their home, according to the victim’s father.

About a week after the rape, Global Taxi Company employees came to the victim’s house on Chintong’s behalf, and offered the family $350 if they would drop all legal charges, the family said.

Instead, the family sued for $10,000 and the maximum 15-year sentence. The family was not in court for the verdict.

Chintong and his defence lawyers declined to comment yesterday, though during the hearing last month, the defence had maintained his innocence and asked the court to drop charges.