Cyprus’ Court of Appeal has increased the prison sentences of a man convicted of sexually abusing two children, ruling that the original penalties were inadequate given the seriousness of the offences.
In a decision dated 15 October 2026, the court dismissed the man’s appeal against his conviction and sentences but upheld an appeal by the Attorney General, who argued that the penalties did not sufficiently reflect the gravity of the case.
The longest sentence remains 11 years in prison, while penalties for other offences were increased.
Abuse involved children aged five and seven
The offences took place in Limassol in 2016, when the two children, then aged five and seven, were living with their family at the convicted man’s home, where they had been staying as guests.
According to the ruling, the trial court found that the children were particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse and that the man held a position of trust, authority and influence over them.
Their mother entrusted him with their care in the mornings, when he was alone with the children. The court found that he repeatedly abused this position over a period of one month to commit sexual acts against both children.
The Limassol Criminal Court had imposed prison sentences ranging from three to 11 years, to be served concurrently.
Court rules original sentences were inadequate
The Court of Appeal said greater weight should have been given to the children’s ages and vulnerability, the abuse of trust, the repeated nature of the offences and the consequences for the victims.
“We consider that the sentences imposed for these counts are manifestly inadequate, as they are disproportionate to the seriousness of the case under consideration,” the court said.
It also stressed that the offences had serious adverse effects on the children and that the need to deter similar crimes required strict penalties.
The ruling emphasised the importance of protecting children from conduct that violates the innocence of childhood.
Several prison terms increased
The Court of Appeal increased several sentences, including:
- One sentence from seven to eight years.
- Another sentence from four to eight years.
- A sentence from nine to 11 years.
The existing 11-year sentence for another count remained unchanged.
All prison terms will run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time. The period of imprisonment is calculated from May 2023, when the man was taken into custody in connection with the case.
The court rejected his arguments that the evidence had been assessed incorrectly and that the sentences were excessive.
It also upheld the remaining measures imposed by the trial court, including a 15-year prohibition on providing services to children or working in places where children are present or regularly visit.
Also read: Youth violence in Cyprus sparks nationwide alarm
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