A British father has returned to Cyprus to face charges over the death of his three-year-old son, days after writing a song for the child’s funeral, according to family friends.
The 37-year-old bank employee returned to Cyprus on Monday, 14 September. If convicted of causing death through a “reckless, rash or dangerous act”, he could face up to four years in prison.
Three-year-old died after fall from hotel window
The tragedy occurred on 12 July at a hotel in Paphos.
According to the case details, the father placed his son on a window ledge while waiting for a lift, without realising that the window was open. The boy fell from a height of around 33 feet and died.
The family’s lawyer, Alexandros Alexandrou, has argued that prosecuting the father is not in the public interest.
He has submitted a formal request to Attorney General George L. Savvides seeking the termination of the case on humanitarian grounds. He is still awaiting a response.
Father due in court on Thursday
The father is scheduled to appear before the court on Thursday, although Alexandrou is expected to request an adjournment.
Family friends told the Daily Mail they were concerned about how the family would cope if the case proceeds before the Paphos District Court.
One family friend said the family had not yet been able to process what happened to their young son while they await the Attorney General’s decision and the possibility of a trial.
Father returned to UK for funeral
The 37-year-old had previously posted bail of $30,000, approximately £25,750.
On 5 August, his restriction preventing him from leaving Cyprus was lifted for one month on humanitarian grounds, allowing him to attend his son’s funeral.
He was temporarily reunited with his 38-year-old wife, who works in healthcare, and their five-year-old daughter. The mother and daughter had left Cyprus a week earlier and returned to the family’s home in England.
According to family friends, almost three of the four weeks the father was allowed to remain free were spent organising the funeral.
Family wrote song for three-year-old
The child was eventually buried in late August.
A family friend who attended the funeral described the day as beautiful. The parents had written a song for their son, while a video showing moments from his life was also played during the ceremony.
More than 100 relatives and friends reportedly attended, with the child’s favourite nursery songs played during the service.
Family faces another separation
The five-year-old girl has now returned to school, while her father has returned to Cyprus to face the case.
According to family friends, the mother is now alone during the day while her daughter is at school, after previously spending her time with her son.
The family friend said the family was facing another separation, adding to their trauma and grief.
Also read: British father returns to Cyprus over son’s death at Paphos hotel
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