Suspect in assault now faces murder charges

A 39-year-old faces being charged with premeditated murder after his alleged assault on a pensioner in Limassol two months ago resulted in the victim’s death, the criminal court said on Friday.

He was arrested in late September in connection with an assault that took place in Limassol, where a 75-year-old man and his 72-year-old work partner were attacked by an unknown assailant who then fled the scene.

A doctor deemed it necessary to commit the suspect to the Athalassa psychiatric hospital ahead of the hearing, which began on Friday at the criminal court.

The court changed the charges to premeditated murder as the 75-year-old victim, who had been hospitalised in critical condition, died on Thursday afternoon at the Nicosia general hospital where he had been referred due to the seriousness of his condition.

According to police, the victim had been at his business with his work partner on September 29 when an unknown person entered and asked for him. The perpetrator then attacked him.

The pensioner fell to the ground, where the perpetrator started kicking him in the face. The 72-year-old was also hurt in his attempt to intervene.

The attacker then left in a double-cabin truck, while the two men were taken to Limassol general hospital.

Due to his critical condition, the 75-year-old was later taken to Nicosia. The 72-year-old received first aid and was discharged.

The 39-year-old is due to face the court again on December 23. He faces a premeditated murder charge, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in jail.