A British father has been formally charged with causing death by recklessness following the fatal fall of his two-year-old son from a fourth-floor window at a hotel in Cyprus. The incident occurred on July 12 at the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Chlorakas, near Paphos.

The 37-year-old man, a City banker, was holding his son when the child slipped and fell approximately 33 feet. Emergency services rushed the boy to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Authorities said the window from which the child fell was reported to be about eight feet tall and four feet wide, and possibly open at the time of the accident. It is believed the man and his father had been waiting for a lift to go to dinner when the toddler fell.

Following the incident, the father was taken into custody on suspicion of causing death by negligence and reckless or dangerous conduct. A toxicology report revealed a small amount of alcohol in his blood, equivalent to one or two drinks, though it remains unclear how this will affect the case. He was held for over a week, during which time he had to inform his five-year-old daughter of her brother’s death via a phone call, as authorities denied his requests to be released earlier to break the news in person.

The father appeared before Paphos District Court where he was released on bail set at €20,000. Conditions of his release include surrendering his passport and a travel ban from Cyprus. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 31. The man was accompanied by his parents during the hearing, while his wife and parents-in-law did not attend.

Attorney General George Savvides authorized the charges after reviewing the investigation. If convicted, the father faces up to four years in prison.

Friends and family have described the boy as “deeply adored” and “a truly special, easygoing little boy who brought so much joy to everyone around him.” A relative expressed their grief, noting the child’s infectious smile and warm personality will be sorely missed. The case has drawn significant attention due to its tragic circumstances and the ongoing legal proceedings in Cyprus.