The Appeal Court reduced the prison term of Hem Sarin from 31 years down to 18 on Wednesday, after he was sentenced in November 2015 for robbery, illegal use of a weapon and premeditated murder.

Sarin has already served 13 years.

Reading out the verdict from the trial that was heard late last month, Judge Seng Sivutha said that Sarin’s request, that his three separate sentences – two for seven years each and one for 17 years – could be served concurrently instead of consecutively, had been granted.

Sarin, 54, who was absent during the proceedings, had initially asked for a shortened sentence so he could support his wife, kids and mother.