Two individuals, a 48-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, were referred on Friday for trial before the Larnaca criminal court, which will convene on May 5, as suspects in a case involving the abuse of the family’s five children over the course of a few years.

The case came to light when one of the underaged girls spoke of her ordeal at school.

The four girls and one boy, aged seven to 23, had been subjected to abuse and forced labour. The two older children are now adults and the man is their stepfather.

According to sources, the eldest reported to have been sexually abused by her stepfather for about ten years, with the knowledge of her mother.

After the case was reported to the Larnaca police domestic violence office, the 48-year-old father and stepfather and 41-year-old mother were both arrested.

The police were also told that the 48-year-old had allegedly been forcing four of the five children to work in fields and farms for four years, with some of the children reporting that he beat them.

The mother was also reported for abuse.

The youngest child, a girl, was reported to have been subjected to psychological violence.

The state services have been informed and have placed the five siblings under their protection.

If found guilty, the parents will be facing long prison sentences.