A key prosecution witness completed lengthy testimony on Thursday (September 17) in the rape trial of suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos. Paphos’s Permanent Criminal Court then adjourned the case to September 22, to give the defence time to prepare for cross-examination.
Philenews understands that the witness’s testimony, which had begun at the previous hearing, continued today, and after several hours the prosecution completed its questioning of the witness.
Phedonos’s defence then asked for time to properly prepare to cross-examine the witness. The court granted the request and set the next hearing for September 22.
Philenews had previously reported that the prosecution’s case, presented by Senior Counsel of the Republic Michaella Pasiardi, is roughly halfway through, according to the same sources.
Phedonos faces five charges, to all of which he has pleaded not guilty: rape, indecent assault (two counts), administering a substance with intent to enable the commission of a felony or misdemeanour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The offences he is accused of are considered very serious. The first three charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if he is convicted. The alleged offences are said to have taken place in 2014.
