The Siem Reap provincial court on Friday put a 20-year-old farmer in pre-trial detention after he was arrested for stabbing and attempting to rape a minor in Varin district.

Provincial court spokesperson Yin Srang said the suspect had been charged with attempted rape and attempted murder under articles 27 and 205 of the penal code. “The suspect is awaiting trial,” he said.

Varin district deputy police chief Bouy Sakun said Tiem Mikaden, also known as Chun Den, 20, allegedly raped and stabbed an eight-year-old girl twice at her home while her parents were farming in Sre Nouy commune’s Lvea village.

The accused, who lived in a neighbouring village, was returning from a karaoke parlour with his friends.

Bouy Sakun, Varin district deputy police chief in charge of justice, said the unidentified victim was stabbed twice on her left hand with a knife while she resisted the rape.

“After her mum returned home and screamed for help, the girl’s family chased him down and reported to the police."