The defense attorney referred to the circumstances surrounding the tragedy involving the three-year-old boy, as well as the moments leading up to and following the tragic incident, were addressed by the defense attorney for the 37-year-old British man, Alexandros Alexandrou, in his statements following today’s court proceedings, noting that the father himself reports “that it all happened so suddenly, in a matter of seconds.”
Mr. Alexandrou described a moment during which, he claimed, the father was in a state of joy and play with his child, unaware that a window was right next to him. He particularly emphasized that the tragic incident unfolded in a matter of seconds and that it was not preceded by any stressful or negative situation that could explain a loss of concentration.
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As the defense attorney noted, while the father was playing with his child, “he did not think to check whether the window—one pane of which was closed—extended further or had a second pane. He noticed that one window was closed while he was playing.”
Mr. Alexandrou emphasized the “joy of the moment,” attempting to explain the context in which, according to the defense, there was a lack of the necessary awareness of the space and that specific spot.
When asked about this by the media, Mr. Alexandrou also mentioned the presence of the 37-year-old’s father-in-law during the tragic incident. As he stated, his father-in-law was also present, and, based on what he himself observed, neither had he paid particular attention to that specific spot.
The defense attorney also made special mention of the father’s own account of the critical moments.
As he said, the father describes the sequence of events as having unfolded extremely quickly, leaving no time for a conscious reaction or to realize exactly what was happening.
The father himself, his defense attorney said, states “that everything happened so suddenly, in a matter of seconds.” He picked up his child, and the child, using his legs, pushed him away—not because the father threw him himself, as the 37-year-old explains, adding that there is no definitive answer as to exactly where he was holding the child.
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When asked about alcohol consumption, the defense attorney distinguished between the reference to alcohol in the witness testimony and whether it had any effect on the defendant’s behavior or perception.
As he noted, the issue of alcohol “is a matter that was simply mentioned as a fact, as a statement contained in the witness testimony.” Mr. Alexandrou said that there is no testimony placing the defendant in a state where he was unable to communicate with those around him or where he was distracted.
The defense attorney also emphasized the 37-year-old’s behavior after the incident, arguing that he had contact with a large number of people, including professionals who, he said, are qualified to assess his psychological and mental state.
The defendant, Mr. Alexandrou said, “interacted with dozens of people after the incident—including individuals who are best qualified to assess his state of mind: doctors, nurses, and police officers.”
Through this argument, the defense as Mr. Alexandrou stated, calls into question whether the reference to alcohol consumption alone can lead to a reliable conclusion regarding the defendant’s condition at the time.
When asked specifically about the amount of alcohol indicated by a specialized test, the defense attorney stated, “This does not constitute conclusive evidence, and I regret that you are presenting it in this manner.”
As he explained, according to the defense’s position, this is an estimate based on a specific methodology. “It is a hypothesis, a mathematical equation that is derived from Mr. Koutselinis’s literature.”
Mr. Alexandrou noted that, if this specific finding were contested and formed the basis of a separate charge in a trial, then other factors would also have to be considered.
As the attorney said, “if this were a charge in the trial—that he was intoxicated—and there were a second charge, we would delve into more in-depth arguments such as height, alcohol tolerance, when it occurred—whether it was during a period when the body was metabolizing the alcohol—what kind of drink he consumed, and so on.”
Therefore, he continued, “all these criteria clearly do not contribute on their own.”
READ ALSO: Tragedy involving a 3-year-old: The 37-year-old father pleaded guilty to the charge of causing his child’s death
Concluding on this specific issue, he stated: “It is a reference, and we must treat it as such.”
The defense attorney also referred to the potential consequences a conviction—and specifically a prison sentence—could have for the 37-year-old.
As he noted, there is a risk that his client could lose his professional license if a prison sentence is imposed. A prison sentence, even if suspended, would, as he said, potentially result in his expulsion from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
In closing, Mr. Alexandrou also referred to the gravity of the tragedy, emphasizing that, regardless of the sentence that may be imposed, the consequences for the 37-year-old will haunt him for the rest of his life.
Source: CNA
