Educator sentenced to nine years imprisonment for indecent assault on minor pupil in Larissa
The Mixed Jury Court of Larissa unanimously imposed a sentence of nine years on a 58-year-old educator. The accused denies the charge and has already filed an appeal.
Nine years imprisonment for 58-year-old educator — unanimous decision by Larissa Mixed Jury Court
The Mixed Jury Court of Larissa unanimously convicted a 58-year-old educator to a total prison sentence of nine years for the abuse of a minor pupil in continuous indecent assault, according to In.gr. The sentence was imposed with the aggravating circumstance that the perpetrator is an educator, whilst the accused was also found guilty of possession of child pornography material via information systems.
During proceedings, the mitigating factor of his previously law-abiding life was recognised, as requested by the defence counsel. Nevertheless, the accused was immediately remanded in prison, as the appeal he filed does not have a suspensory effect.
The 58-year-old denied the charge of indecent assault throughout the trial — and continues to deny it to this day.
The family's lawyer: "She felt vindicated"
Defence counsel and representative of the prosecution Katerina Papakosta, who represents the parents and the minor pupil, spoke to In.gr immediately after the trial.
"I feel profound satisfaction today at the unanimous decision of the Mixed Jury Court of Larissa. A decision that constitutes first and foremost vindication for her and her family," Papakosta stated.
The lawyer noted that the case concerns a child who was called upon to deal with a deeply traumatic experience from an adult in whom she "had every reason to feel trust" — an educator of paternal age, a person who should have been a "point of safety and not a source of fear".
Papakosta emphasised that the judicial proceedings forced the minor over two years to mentally return to what she had experienced. "When I informed her of the decision, she cried. She felt vindicated," she said.
The defence counsel: "He will prove his innocence on appeal"
Defence lawyer Konstantinos Banakis stated to In.gr that his client denies the charge of indecent assault and will seek to prove his innocence on appeal.
"The actual time served will be approximately one more year. I expect to discuss with him whether we will file a request for suspension," Banakis said. He noted that his client is not in good psychological condition, as is his family, and added that the accused works within the prison.
Following the filing of the appeal, a court date is expected to be set for the trial on appeal.
Source: In.gr