Two members of the Boeung Tompun commune council, in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district, were tried by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on allegations that they badly beat a commune security guard last year.

Judge Kor Vandy yesterday said the accused councillors – Chea Yamorn, 46, and Morm Sithol, 35 – were charged with committing a violent act under aggravating circumstances based on the complaint of guard Heng Sareth, aged 51.

Vandy said the two men allegedly had an argument with Sareth in May of 2014, with the argument escalating into a fight.

“During the conflict, Morm Sithol held Heng Sareth while Chea Yamorn beat him.

Chea Yamorn hit the victim and caused him to be seriously injured,” he said.

Sareth, who is seeking $10,000 in damages, said he sustained wounds to his head and left eye, saying the two “were my commune leadership, but they were cruel and inhuman”.

In court, the two denied the accusations, saying Sareth had injured himself when he crashed his motorbike while driving drunk.

A verdict is due to be handed down on August 31.