This afternoon, the 44-year-old accused driver, responsible for the fatal accident that claimed the lives of four victims, was referred to direct trial before the Limassol Court.
The tragic incident occurred 30 minutes into the new year at a traffic-light-controlled intersection on the Limassol – Platres road.
Regarding the police’s request for detention, the court reserved its decision for tomorrow, Tuesday. The case was transferred to the Limassol Court for adjudication, scheduled for February 1, 2024, at 9 a.m.
The 44-year-old faces charges of manslaughter, causing death by negligence under Article 210 of the Penal Code, and violation of a red traffic signal.
The police requested the defendant’s detention, while the defence lawyers objected.
Public Prosecutor Yiannos Argyrou, during his statement, invoked the risk of flight and highlighted that the accused faces ten charges, with four relating to the crime of manslaughter.
He emphasized that the defendant is a foreign national with no close ties to the Republic of Cyprus, maintaining connections with another foreign individual and having no children.
Argyrou added that the likelihood of the accused’s conviction further contributes to the risk of flight. According to the indictment and yet-to-be-assessed evidence, the defendant appears guilty “solely from the appearance of it.”
He noted that the accused is facing charges carrying prison sentences, potentially even life imprisonment.
Argyrou underscored the defendant’s involvement in the tragic accident resulting in the death of four individuals.
He referenced the events and evidence, including video footage of the collision and the Traffic Department’s examinations, as well as the reconstruction of the fatal incident and the conclusions presented in the evidence.
The lawyer for the accused referred to various judicial decisions, asserting that every accused person has the right to post bail and remain free until the trial.
He mentioned that the defendant has been residing in Cyprus under supplementary protection since 2010, possesses a clean criminal record, is married, and self-employed.
The defence lawyer proposed a €25,000 cash bail and daily reporting to a police station.
After hearing both sides, the court reserved its decision on the detention of the 44-year-old accused until tomorrow morning at 9 a.m., ordering him to remain in custody until then.
