A 49-year-old Swedish national who escaped from a private clinic in Larnaca on 22 December will hear his sentence on 7 April, the Larnaca Criminal Court announced today.
During today’s proceedings, the court heard details of the case while the defendant’s lawyers presented mitigation arguments.
Case background
Prosecutor Elena Clerides outlined that the defendant was arrested at 1 pm on 6 December when he appeared at Larnaca Airport attempting to depart for Bahrain. Upon discovering an outstanding arrest warrant from Swedish authorities, Cyprus police detained him and began extradition proceedings.
On 9 December, the 49-year-old reported feeling unwell and was transferred to a clinic where he was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis, before being moved to another medical facility.
On 22 December, he removed the bed railing and escaped by jumping through a window. The following day, authorities located him hiding in an under-construction apartment building in Larnaca and re-arrested him.
During questioning, the defendant admitted guilt, stating he did not want to return to Sweden due to the cold weather and fear of individuals with whom he had financial disputes.
Legal proceedings
Defence lawyers Rikkos Mappourides and Antonis Vafeas submitted written arguments for sentence mitigation. Mappourides argued the significance of his client’s prompt admission of guilt, suggesting the defendant “acted in a state of panic due to his health condition, leading to an inexpensive plan which he regretted. He expresses his apology, which is evident from his admission.”
The lawyer representing a co-accused lawyer and a police officer expressed reservations about the mitigation arguments, suggesting they might implicate his clients—a position the court rejected.
The Court announced it will deliver the sentence on 7 April, while the trial for the two co-defendants, who have not admitted guilt, will start on 23 June.
At a previous hearing, it was revealed that the Swedish national will serve as a prosecution witness against his 54-year-old former lawyer and a 44-year-old police officer, who allegedly assisted in his escape.
According to court proceedings, the lawyer allegedly proposed marriage to the Swedish national to establish ties with the Republic of Cyprus and provided him with a mobile phone, chargers, athletic shoes, handcuff keys, and a map with a meeting point following the escape. The 44-year-old police officer allegedly purchased the mobile phone cards and shoes used during the escape.
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