Frenchman Jailed for Sex With Underage Prostitute

Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday found 63-year-old French national Michael Jean Raymond Chariot guilty of purchasing sex from a 16-year-old prostitute and sentenced him to three years in prison. Presiding Judge Din Smithy?s verdict, which took into account that the accused believed the prostitute was of age, stipulated that he should only serve seven months in jail and ordered that he pay $250 in compensation to the victim. ?Chariot will be dismissed from Cambodia after his term in jail is finished,? Judge Sivuthy said. The victim told the court during Ihe trial that she lied about her age to the accused, saying she was eighteen while they arranged for a $10 tryst in a Boeng Kak lakeside guesthouse in Daun Fhen district on Aug 20. The two were interrupted during a sex act by police at the time of his arrest. Because she is a minor, the victim cannot be charged with soliciting. The victim?s lawyer, Peng Maneth, said he supported expelling the accused from Cambodia, saying ?It can reduce these crimes.? Chariot?s lawyer, Chong Eav Hen, declined to comment.

Sourced = The Cambodia Daily