Appellate court increases sentences for child sexual abuse in Limassol

On October 15, 2026, the Cyprus Court of Appeal issued a ruling increasing the prison sentences for a man convicted of sexually abusing two minors. The court rejected the defendant's appeal against both his conviction and the original sentencing handed down by the Limassol Criminal Court, while simultaneously granting an appeal by the Attorney General, who argued that the initial punishments were insufficient given the gravity of the crimes.

The offenses were committed in 2016 in Limassol. The victims, then five and seven years old, were staying at the defendant's residence under his care at the time. The appellate court maintained the maximum sentence of 11 years imprisonment but increased the terms for additional charges. The original court proceedings noted that the victims were particularly vulnerable and that the perpetrator held a position of trust, authority, and influence over the children during the period of abuse.

This decision marks the final resolution of the appeal process regarding the convictions and sentencing. The court emphasized that the original penalties did not adequately reflect the severity of the illegal acts, justifying the harsher sentencing now imposed by the appellate panel.