A British father has been charged with causing death by a rash, reckless, or dangerous act following the death of his two-year-old son, who fell from a hotel window in Cyprus. The 37-year-old man was arrested last Sunday, hours after his toddler fell from the fourth floor of the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Chlorakas, near Paphos.
The child was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The father was taken into custody on suspicion of causing death through negligence, recklessness, and dangerous actions. Eight days after his initial detention, he appeared at Paphos District Court and was released on strict bail conditions, including the surrender of his passport. He is prohibited from leaving Cyprus and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 31.
The man, accompanied by his parents who paid €20,000 (£17,000) for his release, appeared emotional in court. His wife and parents-in-law were not present.
The family had arrived at the hotel in the early hours of Sunday after a late-night flight from London the previous Saturday. The child fell from a fourth-floor window, described as being protected by a tall, glass, sliding pane that could be difficult to discern if open or closed.
Toxicology reports revealed a small quantity of alcohol in the man's blood, equivalent to one or two drinks, which the court will consider. The Attorney General's office decided to press charges after reviewing the report.
Following his release, the father must provide his accommodation address, report to Paphos Police Station weekly, and share all contact details. A spokesperson for the Attorney General stated that the father would be subject to strict conditions to ensure his attendance at future hearings.
During his time in custody at Paphos Police Station, multiple requests for his release on bail were made by his lawyer. The family had hoped he would be released to inform his five-year-old daughter of her brother's death in person. He was expected to be released earlier in the week to share the news, but this was delayed, and he ultimately informed his daughter via FaceTime.
Family members described the deceased toddler as a "truly special, easy-going little boy who brought so much joy to everyone around him," adding that his "infectious smile, warm cuddles and kind heart are already so deeply missed and always will be."