Remand in custody for 51-year-old in Corfu over sexual abuse of 8-year-old granddaughter
A 51-year-old accused of sexually abusing his 8-year-old granddaughter in Corfu was unanimously ordered to be remanded in custody. The child's mother testified that the same man had abused her when she was a minor.
Grandfather remanded in custody in Corfu – Fresh allegations from mother
An investigating magistrate and prosecutor unanimously decided to remand the 51-year-old in custody in Corfu, who is accused of sexually abusing his 8-year-old granddaughter. According to Newsbeast, serious new evidence has been added to the case file, including testimony from the 28-year-old mother of the girl, who allegedly claimed that her father had sexually abused her when she was a minor.
A forensic medical examination on 3 September reportedly corroborates the allegations that had reached the authorities in the preceding days, according to information from ERT. Laboratory tests found microbes in the child that, according to the same sources, are linked to sexual contact.
Testimony of the 9-year-old brother
The testimony of the 8-year-old girl's 9-year-old brother carries particular weight in the case file. The minor reportedly told the authorities that, when the mother, grandmother and uncle were absent, the 51-year-old locked his sister in his room. He also claimed that he heard the girl crying, and alleged that the accused had threatened him not to reveal what was happening.
The family reportedly lived with the 51-year-old recently, as the 28-year-old mother had chosen this arrangement in order to reduce living expenses.
How the investigation began
The case was revealed on 25 August, when the mother visited a gynaecologist because the child had presented with discomfort in the preceding months. The doctor found signs of possible abuse and referred the mother to the police, which subsequently initiated a process of examination and investigation.
Allegation of abuse in Albania since 2010
In her testimony, the 28-year-old made a further serious allegation. She claimed that the 51-year-old had sexually abused her in Albania from 2010 to 2015, that is from the age of 12 to 17. She expressed fears to the authorities for her life and concern that the accused might flee to Albania.
According to her testimony, the 51-year-old had previously served two prison sentences in the neighbouring country for other cases, which are not connected to abuse incidents.
Source: Newsbeast