Premeditated murder charge shifted to manslaughter in Paphos trial

The case against a 45-year-old on trial for the murder of 58-year-old Ioannis Polykarpou was again postponed as prosecutors on Friday called for the charge sheet to be adjusted from premeditated murder to manslaughter.

Paphos criminal court previously heard that around 1.30am in January last year the 58-year-old victim died in a crash on the Tombs of the Kings Road. The 45-year-old is alleged to have deliberately driven into the victim who was on a moped, dragging him 70 metres along the road.

But the latest development saw the prosecutors seek a move away from the charge of premeditated murder to manslaughter.

The prosecutor’s team added that the matter has been put to the attorney general’s office and they are awaiting a response.

The 45-year-old’s defence lawyer did not object, with the next court appearance set for October 25, 2023. The suspect is to remain in custody at the central prisons.

The suspect has previously pled not guilty to charges of premeditated murder, possession of burglary tools, an offensive weapon, and cannabis. He did, however, plead guilty to having taken cannabis.