Prison sentence imposed on 63-year-old for assault of minor in Thessaloniki
A Thessaloniki court sentenced a 63-year-old man for indecent assault of an 8-year-old girl in Alsós Sykeon. The 18-month prison sentence was converted to a fine, and the defendant appealed.
Prison sentence imposed on 63-year-old for assault of minor in Thessaloniki
A Thessaloniki court sentenced a 63-year-old man for indecent assault of a minor. The Single-Judge Misdemeanour Court of the city, having found him guilty and without recognising any mitigating circumstances, imposed a prison sentence of eighteen months, which was converted to a fine with a daily rate of ten euros. He appealed the verdict and was released.
The trial was conducted under summary procedure. The incident that led to his arrest occurred on the afternoon of the previous Monday in Alsós Sykeon. An eight-year-old girl of Nigerian origin approached the man asking to use his telephone to contact her parents.
Women who were in the area and observed the 63-year-old's behaviour informed the authorities. During the trial, the defendant, who stated that he works as a teacher in the private sector, denied the charges against him. He claimed that his actions were misinterpreted by those present and that he had innocent intentions.
According to the account he presented to the court, he was in the park exercising at outdoor gymnasium equipment. A child who appeared frightened and sweating approached him asking to use his mobile phone to call his mother, but received no answer. Later the child's older sister appeared, saying their uncle would come to pick them up. The man claimed he offered to buy ice cream for the two girls until their relative arrived, and when the younger one asked to ride a bicycle, he supported her from the shoulders due to lack of space and a place to secure the vehicle.
The prosecutor handling the case characterised the defendant's claims as unfounded and recommended his conviction. Her recommendation was accepted by the presiding judge, as reported by APA-MPE.
Source: Newsbeast
Source: Newsbeast