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Published on December 22, 2007

The attack left the victim blind in one eye. The convicted men were ordered to pay him Bt1 million in compensation.

Prathan Chomsamut, 44, and Suthep Puangmalai, 41, were each jailed for life, the maximum punishment for attempted murder and aggravated robbery. That was commuted to 25 years as a result of their confessions.

The third defendant, Somrit Puangmalai, 19, was sentenced to 33 years' jail, halved for his confession.

Victim Somyos Sichoke said after the sentencing he was happy with the result and hoped it would deter similar attacks.

The mid-morning, October 16 stoning of the delivery vehicle driven by Somyos along the Bang Pa-in-to-Ayutthaya Road in Bang Pa-in forced it from the road. Somyos sustained a serious eye injury.

The robbers made off with valuables from the lorry. Police later arrested the trio in Ratchaburi.

Her Majesty the Queen paid for Somyos's treatment and recuperation at Chulalongkorn Hospital.

The Nation