**Title: Court Hears Testimony on Stylianos Constantinou's Troubled Childhood Amid Ongoing Case**
**Nicosia, Cyprus** – A special education teacher testified in Nicosia district court on Tuesday regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Stylianos Constantinou, a 14-year-old who died by suicide in September 2019. The ongoing court case seeks to determine potential responsibility for his death, examining both familial dynamics and the role of state services.
During her testimony, the teacher recounted a disturbing statement made by Stylianos when he was a young child. According to her, he expressed an intention to harm his father, stating, “I will slaughter my father like he slaughters goats,” while mimicking a cutting motion across his throat. He further added, “I’ll kill him when I grow up, if he makes my mum cry again.” This alarming revelation was part of a broader discussion about Stylianos’ emotional and behavioral challenges, which had led to his enrollment in special education services.
The teacher, who was involved in evaluating Stylianos for special educational needs at the age of five, described his frequent distress, particularly on Mondays, when he would arrive at school in a state that required staff intervention for grooming and hygiene. She noted that he was often “sullen” and “almost always unkempt,” which affected his interactions with peers. Other children reportedly avoided him due to his hygiene issues, and staff struggled to integrate him into group activities despite their efforts.
The witness recounted a specific incident in which Stylianos exhibited significant behavioral issues, overturning desks and chairs in his classroom, requiring multiple teachers to intervene and calm him down. This behavior, she suggested, was indicative of deeper emotional turmoil.
In her testimony, the teacher also provided insight into Stylianos’ home life, describing his mother as “tired” and “sad.” She recalled a conversation where the mother explained the necessity of keeping her younger child in the car during winter months to stay warm while she worked on the family farm. This anecdote highlighted the family’s challenging living conditions.
Concerns regarding Stylianos’ father were also raised during the testimony. The teacher expressed fear during meetings with him and noted that staff had voiced worries about Stylianos’ exposure to animal slaughter on the farm. Initially, the father had agreed to consider relocating the family to improve their situation, but he later retracted that agreement through a message sent via the mother.
The teacher’s concerns about neglect were further underscored by an incident in February 2011, when she reported that Stylianos arrived at school with a head injury and exhibited signs of serious neglect. She also mentioned that the father had instructed Stylianos not to listen to his teacher, which raised additional alarm among school staff.
The court proceedings are ongoing, with cross-examination of the witness scheduled for October 2. The case continues to explore the complex interplay of family dynamics, mental health, and the responsibilities of educational and social services in the tragic circumstances surrounding Stylianos Constantinou’s life and death.