**Appeals Court Orders Man Charged with Domestic Violence Back to Custody**
In a significant ruling on Monday, the Court of Appeal in Cyprus overturned a previous decision to release a man accused of multiple charges related to domestic violence, including actual bodily harm, harassment, issuing threats, and psychological violence. The legal service announced that the court found a substantial risk of reoffending, leading to the man's return to custody.
The individual in question faces a total of 11 charges. The court was informed that he has a history of prior convictions, including theft and malicious damage. Additionally, there are other pending criminal cases against him, which include serious allegations of sexual abuse of minors and the dissemination of child sexual abuse material.
Initially, the court of first instance had determined that the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence to justify the man's continued detention. This decision was contested by Attorney-General George Savvides, who appealed the ruling, arguing that the risks associated with releasing the accused were significant.
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal clarified that it is not necessary to establish with absolute certainty that a suspect will reoffend in order to justify their detention. Instead, the court emphasized that there was a "strong impression" based on the evidence presented that the possibility of reoffending exists. The court highlighted that several of the charges against the man pertain to offenses allegedly committed while he was already on bail for other cases.
The court noted, "We note again the fact that other cases are pending against the defendant in which conditions have been imposed on him to ensure his presence in court for the hearings. It appears that the offences attributed to him in the present case have been committed during the period in which he was on bail." This statement underscored the concerns regarding the defendant's behavior while under judicial supervision.
The Court of Appeal concluded that the lower court had erred in its decision to release the defendant on bail. It stated, "The risk of reoffending is, in our opinion, beyond obvious, and has been proven, at this stage to the level required for this type of case, not only by the present indictment but by other cases pending against the defendant."
As a result of this ruling, the accused will remain in custody until his next court appearance, as the legal proceedings continue. The decision reflects the court's commitment to addressing domestic violence and ensuring the safety of potential victims in light of the serious nature of the allegations against the defendant.