Sentence raised to 10 years after appeal
A father convicted of sexually abusing his underage daughter has his sentence increased by the Cyprus Appeal Court, who ruled that the original six-year sentence was manifestly inadequate.
The man was convicted of sexually abusing his daughter while exploiting his position of trust and authority over the minor victim in 2023, by the Limassol Permanent Criminal Court.
He had initially received concurrent six-year prison sentences on two charges. However, following an appeal by the Attorney General of the Republic, the Appeal Court raised the sentence to 10 years on each count, with the sentences remaining concurrent.
The Appeal Court’s decision, issued on Monday, 18 May 2026, was unanimous.
Court stresses need for deterrent punishment
In its ruling, the Appeal Court said the seriousness of the offences and the need for deterrent penalties justified a harsher punishment.
The judges agreed with the Attorney General’s position that the original sentence imposed by the Limassol Criminal Court did not reflect the gravity of the crimes described in its own judgment.
The court added that sentencing in such cases must reflect the need to protect underage victims from offenders, particularly amid what it described as a worrying increase in similar crimes.
Supervision orders remain in place
Orders issued by the trial court, including the referral of the convicted man to the Supervisory Authority, remain in force.
The case on behalf of the Attorney General of the Republic was handled by Republic lawyer Louiza Sigar.
Also read: How political parties plan to shape the economy?
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
