Appeals court cuts short three-year term for €20 kiosk theft

A 28-year-old who took €20 from a Nicosia kiosk has been released after nearly a year behind bars, with judges deciding a non-custodial penalty better suited his circumstances.

Appeals court cuts short three-year term for €20 kiosk theft

A 28-year-old who took €20 from a Nicosia kiosk has been released after nearly a year behind bars, with judges deciding a non-custodial penalty better suited his circumstances.

The offender was picked up by officers in July 2025 during checks connected to a spate of attempted hold-ups at Strovolos convenience stores. Months earlier, in October 2024, he had targeted two kiosks, escaping with only €20 from the second. He later owned up to the offences and returned the money.

Even though he had no previous record, the trial court imposed concurrent custodial terms, the top one being three years. Fresh legal representation, Maria Athanasiou, then challenged the ruling, telling the appellate bench the penalty was unduly harsh and ignored the defendant's personal hardships and chances of reintegration.

State counsel defended the original judgment, stressing it was not a one-off but four distinct episodes in which the accused, carrying a blade, walked into kiosks and bakeries demanding cash. Prosecutors added that his personal context had been factored in, pointing to his narcotics habit and family responsibilities.

The higher court heard that the appellant suffered early-life trauma, was deserted by caregivers, faced harassment and lost loved ones — experiences that fed into drug dependency, personality disturbances and harmful conduct toward himself. Foster placements had also formed part of his upbringing.

Judges called the punishment severe but not beyond bounds, yet observed the original tribunal might have opted for a suspended term, particularly since the appellant had already served close to a year at the central prison. The appellate panel suspended the remaining time to offer him "a second chance" and called for deeper mental-health screening, including checks for autistic traits and inherited psychiatric conditions.

Source: Cyprus Mail

Source: Cyprus Mail