The Paphos District Court is expected to announce today the sentence of a 37-year-old father who admitted causing the death of his three-year-old son through a reckless, careless or dangerous act following a fatal fall at a hotel in the Chloraka area.
The defence has asked the court to avoid imposing an immediate prison sentence, arguing that the tragedy resulted from a momentary lapse of attention during events that unfolded within seconds.
Defence seeks alternative to imprisonment
In his mitigation plea, defence lawyer Mr Alexandrou told the court that the loss of the child represents an immeasurable personal tragedy for the father, one he will carry for the rest of his life.
He further argued that any sentence imposed cannot undo the consequences of the tragedy.
The defence urged the court to assess the degree of culpability involved and to take into account the defendant's personal and professional circumstances.
Guilty plea cited as mitigation
Among the mitigating factors presented were the father's guilty plea, his clean criminal record and his lengthy professional career.
Defence counsel suggested the imposition of a financial penalty or, if the court considered a prison term necessary, that the sentence be suspended.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of four years' imprisonment or a fine.
Incident occurred during family holiday
The fatal incident occurred on 12 July 2026, the first day of the family's holiday in Cyprus.
The 37-year-old had travelled from Essex, United Kingdom, with his wife, their three-year-old son, their five-year-old daughter and his parents-in-law.
Court ruling awaited
Today's ruling by the Paphos District Court is expected to determine the criminal penalty to be imposed on the father in a case that had devastating consequences for his family.
