A British father facing a possible prison sentence over the death of his three-year-old son in Cyprus is in a difficult position, according to his lawyer.
The 37-year-old appeared before the Paphos District Court on Thursday, one day after what would have been his son’s third birthday. He faces a charge of causing death through a reckless, rash or dangerous act following the child’s fatal fall from a fourth-floor hotel window on 12 July.
The father did not enter a plea. The hearing was adjourned until next week after his lawyer, Alexandros Alexandrou, requested additional time.
If convicted, the man could face up to four years in prison.
Lawyer says father is struggling
Speaking outside court, Alexandrou said he would now have to explain to his client the consequences of a possible conviction and what a trial would involve.
He said his client was not in a good condition and questioned whether he would be able to undergo cross-examination and give evidence.
Prosecutors told the court that they recognised the suffering experienced by the father and his family but that the state had to uphold the law.
The development follows a decision by Attorney General George Savvides to reject a request to terminate the prosecution on humanitarian grounds.
Alexandrou said the defence was surprised and disappointed by the decision and maintained that continuing the prosecution was not in the public interest.
Child died after hotel window fall
The incident happened on 12 July during the family’s holiday in Paphos.
According to the case details, the father placed his son on a window ledge on the fourth floor while waiting for a lift, believing the window was closed. The child fell from a height of around 10 metres and later died at Paphos General Hospital.
The father was detained for eight days before being charged.
Toxicology tests reportedly found a very small amount of alcohol in his blood, corresponding to around one or two drinks.
Family returned to UK
While in custody, the father had to tell his five-year-old daughter via FaceTime that her brother had died.
His wife, a 38-year-old healthcare professional, and their daughter returned to the UK at the end of July. The father was later granted a temporary lifting of his travel restrictions so he could attend his son’s funeral.
The child was buried in late August at a ceremony attended by more than 100 people, according to previous reports.
“The daughter needs her father,” Alexandrou said outside court, adding that she repeatedly asks for him.
Father remains in Cyprus
The father’s lawyer had previously asked the Attorney General to halt the prosecution on humanitarian grounds, arguing that continuing the proceedings would further compound the family’s trauma. The request was rejected on Wednesday.
The father returned to Cyprus earlier this week after his temporary permission to remain in the UK expired. Previous court orders included a €20,000 financial guarantee, a travel ban, surrender of travel documents and weekly reporting to Paphos police.
A new hearing has been scheduled for next Tuesday, and the father is expected to remain in Cyprus until then.
Also read: 3-year-old’s death: Father bids farewell to son with a song
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
