A British toddler died after falling from a fourth-floor window at a hotel in Cyprus on the first day of a family holiday, a court heard. Joshua Foster, 37, from Essex, pleaded guilty to causing the death of his two-year-old son through a reckless or dangerous act. The incident occurred on July 12 at the King Evelthon Beach Hotel near Paphos.

During a mitigation hearing at Paphos District Court, Foster’s defense lawyer described the tragedy as the result of a momentary lapse. Foster had allegedly placed his son on a window ledge to show him the view of a nearby water park, believing the window was closed with protective glass. Unbeknownst to him, the window had been open, and the child fell approximately 12 meters (about 40 feet), sustaining fatal injuries.

Court proceedings revealed that Foster was on holiday with his family and had spent the day at the pool and café before the incident. As they waited for an elevator in the hotel corridor, Foster put his son down on the windowsill to view the water park. He lost control of the child in an instant and was unable to prevent the fall.

Despite blood tests showing Foster had consumed alcohol earlier in the day—measuring 124mg per 100ml of blood, above the UK drink-driving limit—neither prosecutors nor the defense argued that he was intoxicated or that alcohol played a role in the accident. Foster fully cooperated with authorities following the incident, was held in custody for eight days, and was allowed to travel to the UK briefly to attend his son’s funeral.

The boy was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at Paphos General Hospital. Foster’s lawyer described him as a “conscientious family man” who is deeply remorseful and has been supported by his own family throughout the legal process. Foster has worked as an AI director at the accountancy firm KPMG since 2015 and is facing potential disciplinary action from the audit regulator that could impact his career.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the tragic circumstances and the legal implications surrounding the charge, which carries a maximum prison sentence of four years. Foster will be sentenced on October 16. Friends and family have remembered the toddler as a joyful and easy-going child who brought happiness to those around him.