A British father, identified as a 37-year-old banking executive, has been charged with "causing death by a rash, reckless, or dangerous act" in Cyprus following the death of his two-year-old son. The toddler died after falling from the fourth floor of the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Chlorakas, near Paphos. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 12, during the family's first day of their holiday.
The father, who is not permitted to leave Cyprus, is next scheduled to appear in court on July 31. His family has appealed to UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband for intervention, hoping it will allow the father to attend his son's funeral in Britain. The family, from Essex, arrived at the hotel in the early hours of Sunday after a late-night flight from London.
The boy was taken to a hospital after the fall, which was approximately 30 feet, but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The father was arrested later that night and subsequently charged eight days later at Paphos District Court. He was released on strict bail conditions, including surrendering his passport, after his parents paid €20,000 (£17,000) for his release.
A source close to the family expressed the immense mental strain and concern for the father's psychological well-being. The family stated that while they understand the UK government cannot interfere with the Cypriot judicial process, they had expected more timely and active consular support. They hope for increased engagement from the British government, particularly given the humanitarian circumstances, to facilitate the father's attendance at his son's funeral following the court proceedings.
Toxicology reports indicated a small amount of alcohol in the father's blood, which the court will consider. The Attorney General's office ordered the prosecution for causing death by recklessness. The father was required to provide his local address, surrender contact details, and report to the police station weekly as part of his bail conditions.
Previously, the father was unable to inform his five-year-old daughter of her brother's death in person, having to do so via FaceTime, as his release was blocked at the last minute. The family described the deceased child as a "truly special, easy-going little boy who brought so much joy to everyone around him."