On 13/1, the People's Court of Area 3 – Ha Tinh sentenced Nguyen Van Nam, 32, residing in Co Dam commune, for intentionally causing injury, under Article 134 of the Penal Code.
The trial panel determined that Nam used dangerous weapons, directly harming a person under 16 years old, demonstrating a brutal nature that required strict punishment. Nam received some mitigating circumstances, including sincere confession, voluntary compensation for damages, and a petition for a reduced sentence.
In court, Nam expressed remorse, stating he lost control while handling family conflicts.
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Defendant Nam in court on 13/1. *Photo: Hung Le* |
According to the investigation, on the evening of 18/10/2025, while his wife was absent, Nam drove his wife's daughter to a rented house in Phu Hoa village, Co Dam commune, previously part of Nghi Xuan district. Believing the girl was lying and not answering to his satisfaction, Nam used his hands, a wooden stick, and a hammer to hit her head, then bandaged her himself before she went to sleep.
The next morning, Nam went to work, locking the child inside the house. The victim opened a window to call for help, was discovered by relatives, and taken to the emergency room. The girl suffered multiple injuries and required 7 stitches to her head. That same evening, Nam was arrested by police while hiding on his mother's rooftop.
The girl is 10 years old this year and is a 5th-grade student at Co Dam Primary School. In late 10/2025, after her injuries stabilized, she was discharged from the hospital and has since moved to live and study in her maternal hometown in Son La province.
The girl's mother is Ban Thi Binh, 29, residing in Son La province. In 2022, Binh married Nam, and they have two children, currently renting a house in Phu Hoa village. According to local authorities, Nam had repeatedly abused the girl and was cautioned last year.
In addition to the recently tried charge, in 11/2025, Nam was also indicted by Ha Tinh Provincial Police for illegally possessing and using military weapons. During the investigation, authorities searched the suspect's residence and seized a 113 cm long air rifle and 141 lead pellets. Forensic conclusions confirmed the seized items were military weapons, managed under Circular 75/2024. This case has not yet gone to trial.
Duc Hung
