Essex father fined after fatal fall at Cyprus hotel
Constantvpn.com – A father from Essex has been fined €3,000, equivalent to about £2,500, after his two-year-old son died in a fall from a fourth-floor hotel window during a family holiday in Cyprus.
Joshua Foster, 37, admitted causing death through a reckless, rash or dangerous act. He was sentenced at Paphos District Court on Friday following the death of his son at the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Chlorakas on 12 July.
The child fell almost 40ft, or 12.1m, from a window at the five-star resort on the day the family arrived in Cyprus. He was taken to Paphos General Hospital after emergency services were alerted, but was later pronounced dead.
Family holiday ended in tragedy
Foster had travelled with his wife, their two children and his in-laws. The family had spent time swimming and taking part in activities before returning to get ready for dinner that evening.
At around 18:00, Foster, his father-in-law and his son were walking towards a lift. The boy noticed a waterpark outside, and Foster placed him on the windowsill so he could see the view while pressing the lift button.
Foster believed the window was shut. The court heard that he lost control of the child before he could stop him falling.
Police were called at approximately 18:40 after reports that a child had fallen in circumstances that were initially unclear. The window was said to measure 2.85m wide and 1.2m high.
In a voluntary statement given to police, Foster said his son fell before he had an opportunity to grab him. Although alcohol was found in Foster’s system, it was not a central element of the prosecution case. His lawyer said there was no evidence that he had been drunk.
Father had been held in custody
Foster was held for eight days immediately after the incident. During that time, he had to speak to his daughter from custody and explain the devastating events that had taken place.
His lawyer, Alexandros Alexandrou, told an earlier hearing on 6 October that the incident had permanently altered Foster’s life. Outside court, Alexandrou said his client’s remorse was evident and described him as a devoted parent and family man.
“[He is] an exemplary family man with a beautiful family behind him, that support him, that embraces him, that has always been by his side.”
Alexandrou said Foster was deeply emotional after the sentence was imposed and that the family needed space to grieve. He said they had been focused on defending the case throughout the legal process.
The case centred on the moment Foster put his son on the sill, believing the window was secure. The court accepted his admission that his actions had caused the child’s death, resulting in the financial penalty rather than a custodial sentence.
Foster says he wants to return to his family
After leaving court, Foster thanked people who had offered support and said he was looking forward to returning home to his wife and daughter.
“Thank you for the support. I’m looking forward to going home and being with my wife and daughter.”
The death has left a family facing an unimaginable loss after what began as an ordinary summer holiday. The events unfolded within hours of their arrival at the hotel, following an afternoon that had included swimming and family activities.
The case also underlines the risks that can arise around elevated windows, balconies and open access areas in holiday accommodation, particularly when young children are present. Families travelling with small children may wish to check window locks, balcony barriers and room layouts on arrival, while keeping children away from raised openings even where they appear to be closed or secured.
For Foster and his relatives, however, the court proceedings marked only one part of the aftermath. The legal case has now concluded with the €3,000 fine, while the family continues to cope with the death of a young child during a trip intended to be shared together.
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