Cambodian man torches nagging mother-in-law's house

Jun 6, 2008, 7:37 GMT

Phnom Penh - A Cambodian man tired of his mother-in-law's constant nagging was facing divorce and jail after he torched her house before shooting her in the leg with a bow and arrow usually used to kill frogs and toads, police and local media said Friday.

Heing Samnang, deputy police chief of Siem Reap's Sotnikom district, around 350 kilometres north-west of the capital, said Morm Savin, 34, was galled by 54-year-old Sean Khun's constant accusations.

Koh Santepheap newspaper said Khun had told the entire village that the only thing he had been able to acquire since he married was three children, and 'even saving for a fork or a glass had proven beyond him'.

Samnang said Savin stewed on her insults over 50 cents worth of rice wine before taking his revenge.

'It was from the heart because he beat neighbours who tried to help her with a stick,' he said.

Koh Santepheap reported Savin had then turned archer because, given the weapon's usual use, he felt it was the most appropriate weapon for the woman.

If convicted, Savin faces a minimum of five years in jail, and if not he faces his wife, police said.