The Court of Appeal has fully dismissed the appeal of a man facing trial for rape and multiple serious sexual offences in Ayia Napa, confirming he must remain in custody until his trial starts on 12 January 2026.
Charges and alleged incident
The defendant faces charges of rape, sexual abuse of an adult, compelled sexual intercourse, abduction, indecent assault on a woman, sexual harassment, and deprivation of liberty with intent to commit sexual abuse. The alleged offences took place on 26 October 2025 against a Swedish woman.
The Famagusta District Court granted the prosecution’s request for remand after finding a clear flight risk, despite defence objections.
Defence grounds for appeal
The defence lawyers argued three main points:
- The lower court undervalued the defendant’s strong ties to Cyprus
- It dismissed adequate bail terms and ignored the severe impact of detention on him and his family
- It placed too much weight on the gravity of the charges and potential heavy sentence
Personal circumstances presented
Defence highlighted that the man has lived in Cyprus for nearly ten years, holds a residence permit until July 2026, is married with one child, runs a business with his wife and is pursuing a master’s degree. They offered €10,000 cash bail, surrender of travel documents and daily police sign-ins.
Court of Appeal ruling
Judges ruled that the lower court correctly applied case law on flight risk. It properly balanced the extreme seriousness of the charges, the apparent strength of the evidence (examined only on its face), the likelihood of a lengthy prison sentence, and the defendant’s personal ties.
The Court of Appeal found no fault in how the lower court evaluated family ties, proposed bail conditions or the hardship detention causes the family. It stressed that even strong ties do not automatically override flight risk when offences carry heavy penalties.
Public interest prevails
Judges concluded that the wider public interest in the proper administration of justice outweighed personal and family hardship. The appeal was rejected in full and the remand order confirmed.
Also read: Missing Israeli vessel off Paphos
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
