Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday dropped charges of assault, property destruction and illegal possession of weapons it leveled against one of the two sons of tycoon Duong Ngiep, accused of beating a man in a fight at a restaurant.

Prosecutors yesterday told the court that “based on results of the hearing and witness testimonies” the younger son, Duong Kimlong, 17, and his bodyguard, Ly Rayuth, 20, were innocent.

Along with older son Duong Chhay, Kimlong and Rayuth were originally charged with seriously injuring 28-year-old Mom Dina. Although Dina has since withdrawn his complaint, the charges still stand against Chhay, 20.

Deputy prosecutor Soeu Vanny said: “I would like to ask the judge to decide on [Duong Chhay’s] fate within the law.”

Chhay denied the charges, saying the crimes were committed by his entourage – two men called “Mab” and “Sna” – who are still at large.

“The real person who beat the victim on that night was Mab, and the guns confiscated belonged to Sna.”

The court will deliver its verdict on Monday.