A British father has been charged with 'recklessly' causing the death of his two-year-old son after the boy allegedly fell from his arms through a hotel window in Cyprus.
The 37-year-old banker was arrested hours after the incident at the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Chlorakas, near Paphos, on Sunday.
Details of the incident
The father was waiting for a lift with the boy's grandfather, holding the child by the waist and swinging him from side to side as they waited. The boy then fell from his arms and through a window. He was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.
If convicted, the unnamed father could face up to four years in prison. He had to inform his daughter about her younger brother's death over FaceTime after his release was blocked at the last minute.
Court proceedings
The father appeared emotional in the dock, accompanied by his parents, who had to pay €20,000 (£17,000) for his release. Toxicology reports found a very small quantity of alcohol, equivalent to one or two drinks, in his blood, and the court will determine whether this is relevant.
Attorney General George Savvides decided to press charges for 'causing death by a rash, reckless, or dangerous act or conduct not amounting to culpable negligence'.
Conditions of release
The man was told he would have to provide the address where he would be staying and report to Paphos Police Station once a week at an agreed day and time. He also had to hand over all contact details.
A spokesperson for the Attorney General told the Daily Mail: 'The Attorney General ordered criminal prosecution of the father. He will be charged with causing death due to recklessness, among other things. The father will be released, yet he will be subject to strict restrictive conditions, which will aim to ensure his presence at all future hearings.'
Family tribute
A relative told the Daily Mail: 'He was a truly special, easy–going little boy who brought so much joy to everyone around him. He was deeply adored, and his infectious smile, warm cuddles and kind heart are already so deeply missed and always will be.'
The family had hoped the man would be released so he could be there to tell his five-year-old daughter of her brother's death. He was expected to be released on Wednesday but this was blocked at the last minute, and he was forced to inform the child over FaceTime.
