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- The 37-year-old was arrested hours after his three-year-old son fell from a fourth-floor hotel window in Paphos.
- He was charged with causing death through a reckless, dangerous or careless act after eight days in custody.
- The family wants him allowed to return to the UK to attend his son’s funeral after court proceedings next Friday.
- He has been released under strict conditions, including a travel ban, passport surrender and weekly reporting to police.
The family of a British father accused over the death of his three-year-old son following a fall from a hotel window in Cyprus has appealed to UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband for assistance.
The 37-year-old man was arrested on Sunday, July 12, hours after his three-year-old son fell from the fourth floor of a hotel in Paphos.
He remained in custody for eight days before appearing before Paphos District Court, where he was charged with causing death through a reckless, dangerous or careless act.
Request for return to UK for funeral
The devastated family is now asking for intervention so that the 37-year-old, who is due to appear in court again on July 31, can return to the UK and attend his son’s funeral.
A source close to the family told the Daily Mail that the father should be allowed to attend the funeral immediately after the completion of the court proceedings scheduled for next Friday.
The source said the family fully respects the independence of the Cypriot justice system but believes the case requires particular attention from the British government.
They expressed hope that the new foreign secretary would support their request.
Family raises concerns over consular support
According to a family friend, relatives understand that the British government cannot intervene in Cyprus’ judicial procedures, but they expected greater support during the first days of the father’s detention.
They claim that during the first week of his custody, he did not receive a visit from UK representatives, including the British High Commission in Cyprus.
The family said they had expected greater assistance regarding the father’s psychological condition, access to legal support and communication with relatives.
They added that contact with British authorities improved about a week after the arrest and expressed hope that more active and consistent support would continue.
Strict bail conditions imposed
The 37-year-old was released under strict conditions.
He has been banned from leaving Cyprus and was required to surrender his passport.
During his appearance before Paphos District Court, eight days after his initial detention, he appeared visibly emotional. The hearing lasted around ten minutes.
A source close to the family said relatives remain under extreme psychological pressure and are concerned about the impact of his continued stay in Cyprus.
Timeline of the tragedy
The family, from Essex, was on the first day of their holiday when police were called to the five-star hotel at around 6:40pm on Sunday, July 12.
The three-year-old child was rushed to hospital after falling from a height of around nine metres but was pronounced dead on arrival.
A few hours later, at around 10pm, the father was arrested and taken into custody.
Toxicology results showed a very small amount of alcohol in his blood, equivalent to one or two drinks. The court will consider whether this evidence will be taken into account in the case.
Following an assessment of the evidence, Attorney General George Savvides decided to prosecute the father for causing death through reckless, dangerous or risky behaviour, rather than manslaughter through negligence.
Court case continues
As part of his release conditions, the accused was required to declare his residential address, report once a week to Paphos Police Station at a set time and provide his contact details.
A Law Office representative told the Daily Mail that the Attorney General ordered the prosecution and that, despite his release, the strict conditions aim to ensure his presence at future court proceedings.
The father had remained in custody at Paphos Police Station for more than a week while investigators examined the case.
His lawyer, Petros Stavrou, repeatedly requested his release, including under strict restrictions.
The family had hoped he would be released in time to personally tell his five-year-old daughter about her brother’s death. Instead, he was forced to share the tragic news through a FaceTime call.
A family member previously described the child as a gentle and loving boy who brought happiness to those around him, saying his smile, hugs and kindness are deeply missed.
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