Court hears police testimony in trial over teen suicide case

Proceedings continued on Tuesday before the Nicosia district court in the trial concerning the death of 14-year-old Stylianos Konstantinos in 2019, with three police officers giving evidence for the prosecution as the case examines alleged failures and abuse within the family environment.

During the hearing, defence lawyer Viktor Akamas, representing a social welfare services employee identified as ‘accused 3’, challenged the indictment, arguing that although his client faces 18 charges, there is no clear legal basis outlined for the alleged duty she is accused of neglecting.

He said this omission undermines “the right to a fair trial” and the preparation of her defence.

Prosecutor Elena Constantinou rejected the argument, maintaining that the indictment is sufficiently detailed and that the relevant legal framework “emerges from the evidentiary material”.

The court, presided over by Pavlos Ayapitos, dismissed the request, ruling that the charges adequately define the alleged offences and that the existence of a specific legal duty will be assessed later in the trial.

The case centres on a total of 218 charges against 11 individuals, including the child’s parents and nine social welfare officials, linked to alleged acts and omissions leading up to the boy’s death.

The father faces accusations including physical and psychological violence and “cruel or inhuman treatment”, while the mother is charged with failing to report known abuse.

Social welfare officials are accused of neglect of duty.

Testimony focused on a series of complaints made by the child’s mother to police over several years.

A police officer informed the court that in September 2009 the mother reported frequent arguments with her husband and said she feared for her life.

The officer said police contacted the husband, who responded that he intended to divorce and “had no intention of harming her”.

Under cross examination, the officer said she could not recall taking further investigative steps.

Defence lawyer Konstantinos Kazantzis objected to the submission of the 2009 complaint as evidence, arguing it amounted to “bad character” material against his client and could prejudice a fair trial, adding that such testimony would “only cause a sensation”.

The court admitted the document, finding its purpose was to demonstrate a pattern of behaviour within the family.

Further evidence was given by Constable G.S. regarding a 2010 complaint in which the mother reported a domestic dispute but asked that it be recorded “for future use only” and that no action be taken. The officer said the complainant had indicated she had already informed social services, though she could not recall any follow up.

The questioned officer also testified about a 2013 complaint in which the mother alleged she had been pushed and slapped by her husband.

He said the complainant declined to give a formal statement and requested no further action.

She added that she informed social services in writing, though no documentation could be produced as police correspondence is destroyed after five years.

Defence lawyers raised concerns over whether proper procedures were followed, with Akamas suggesting that “the police did not proceed with the legal or mandatory actions” required under domestic violence legislation at the time.

The trial, is scheduled to resume on March 27, when a criminal investigator is expected to testify.