father detention — father detention — The lengthy continued detention of the British father arrested following the death of his three-year-old son in Paphos is unjustified, according to prominent criminal lawyer Christos Triantafyllides. He expressed his astonishment at the situation, stating, “In 46 years as a lawyer, I have never seen anything like this.”
- Police spokesman Vyron Vyronos confirmed to the Cyprus Mail that the detention order ends on Tuesday and that investigators are still pending laboratory toxicology results.
- His lawyer, Petros Stavrou, also voiced criticism of the decision to keep his client in custody, asserting that there is no justification for the continued detention as the investigation unfolds.
The father has been held for eight days, with his remand set to expire on Tuesday. Police have indicated they are awaiting the results of toxicology examinations to guide their next steps in the investigation.
Police spokesman Vyron Vyronos confirmed to the Cyprus Mail that the detention order ends on Tuesday and that investigators are still pending laboratory toxicology results.
Triantafyllides highlighted that “a major mistake” is being made by the prosecution, noting that since this is not a homicide investigation, only negligence or an accident could be possible scenarios in this tragic case. He argued that the legal grounds typically required to justify such a prolonged remand do not apply here.
“What could this man possibly do if he were released?” Triantafyllides questioned, emphasising that detention should only occur when there is a risk of absconding, repeating the offence, or in severe cases like murder. He pointed out that none of these conditions are present in this situation.
The father, aged 37, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by a rash or negligent act and for failing in his duty as the head of a family and as a person responsible for the care of another. The investigation suggests that while the father was holding his son and playing with him, the child tragically slipped through an open section of a sliding window and fell.
His lawyer, Petros Stavrou, also voiced criticism of the decision to keep his client in custody, asserting that there is no justification for the continued detention as the investigation unfolds.
The inquiry is ongoing, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the fall and whether all relevant safety measures at the hotel were adhered to. As the investigation continues, the family grapples with the unimaginable loss.
