Paphos court to sentence father for toddler's fatal fall

The Paphos District Court is scheduled to announce its sentence on Friday for a 37-year-old British man who pleaded guilty to causing the death of his three-year-old son. The incident occurred on July 12, the first day of the family's holiday in Cyprus, when the child fell approximately 10 metres from a fourth-floor hotel window in Chlorakas.

During the mitigation hearings held on October 6, the court examined conflicting reports regarding the defendant's alcohol intake. While initial testing showed 34mg, a subsequent laboratory analysis indicated 124mg at the time of the event. The prosecution, led by Chryso Perganti, outlined the facts of the case, while defense attorney Alexandros Alexandrou requested the minimum possible sentence. The defense argued the act was a momentary lapse of judgment—a belief that the window was closed—and noted the father's clean criminal record and the immense loss he has already suffered. The charge carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison or a fine.

The court is expected to deliver its final decision at 11:00 am. Until the sentencing, the defendant remains free under existing conditions.