**Sentencing Reserved for Car Theft Defendant in Demosthenous Murder Case**
**Limassol, Cyprus** – A 30-year-old man, who faces a charge of car theft linked to the murder of businessman Stavros Demosthenous, had his sentencing postponed by the Limassol criminal court on Tuesday. The court has scheduled the sentencing for September 23, coinciding with the next proceedings for three co-defendants who are still facing murder charges.
The defendant has admitted to stealing a priest's car on October 5 of the previous year. This vehicle is believed to have been utilized in the planning of Demosthenous' murder, which took place on October 17. The car was recovered by police on October 14, found with false registration plates.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly instructed another individual to steal the vehicle, claiming that the priest often left the car unattended with the keys inside. This individual reportedly stole the car while the priest was conducting a church service and later sold it to the 30-year-old for €300 in Nicosia. The defendant is said to have subsequently transferred the vehicle to another person, following instructions he had received.
During the court proceedings, the defense raised concerns regarding the fairness of the case, particularly noting that the individual who executed the theft has not been prosecuted. The defendant's lawyer highlighted several factors in mitigation, including a welfare report, the defendant's status as a father to a young child, his prompt admission of guilt, and the fact that the car was returned undamaged to its owner. The lawyer also emphasized the psychological impact of the more serious charges previously faced by the defendant in relation to the murder case.
The defense requested that the court consider sentencing under the law as it stood at the time of the offense, which imposed a maximum penalty of one year in prison, rather than under revised legislation that has since increased the potential punishment.
In addition to the car theft case, three other defendants—a 31-year-old and two 28-year-olds—are currently facing serious charges, including premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegal possession, transport, and use of firearms and explosives.
Stavros Demosthenous, the victim, was known as a prominent businessman and former chairman of Karmiotissa FC. He was shot dead while riding in his Rolls Royce, which was being driven by his 18-year-old son, in the Ayios Athanasios area.
As the legal proceedings continue, the court's decisions on both the car theft case and the ongoing murder charges will be closely monitored by the public and media alike.