Father Fined After Son's Fatal Fall at Cyprus Hotel
Joshua Foster sentenced by Paphos District Court following two-year-old's 40ft plunge from fourth floor balcony during family holiday.
Sarah Connor
Joshua Foster received a 3,000 euro (£2,500) fine after his two-year-old son died in a fall at a five-star hotel in Cyprus.
The tragic incident unfolded on July 12 at the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Chlorakas. The toddler suffered multiple skull and bone fractures and vital organ damage, pronounced dead at the hospital.
Foster's father-in-law stated Foster placed his son on the window to 'see the view' before the fall. The Paphos District Court, however, claims Foster 'lost control' of the two-year-old while showing him the water park view from the fourth floor.
The court also claims Foster momentarily placed his son on the windowsill 'to see the view,' believing 'protective glass' covered the window. He reportedly thought the window was closed when he placed the youngster on the sill for a better view of the waterpark and did not realize the section of the window was open.
Foster's blood alcohol level at the time of the accident was estimated at 124mg per 100ml, equivalent to about four drinks. Judge Froso Christodoylidou, however, claims this did not play a role in the accident. The court stated alcohol consumption did not form a significant part of the case.
An innocent mistake.
The court heard the window measured 2.85 meters wide and 1.2 meters high. Judge Froso Christodoylidou described Foster's conduct as an 'innocent mistake' and noted his immediate cooperation.
Foster pleaded guilty to causing death by a rash, reckless or dangerous act. Local media previously described his arrest and remand as Cypriot police's 'cruellest act.'