The Nicosia district court on Thursday sentenced Kyriakos Syllouris, the son of the House President, to one year in prison for causing the death of 26-year-old Sebastian Petros Karapateas through negligent, reckless, and dangerous driving.
Members of both families involved in the tragedy packed the courtroom as Judge Pavlos Kyriakides read out the sentence concluding with the words “I have no doubt that this accident and the loss of a human life, has stigmatised the accused and will be something that accompanies him for the rest of his life. In contrast with the victim however, the accused will have the chance, after serving his sentence, to continue with his life, find his feet, and progress.”
Syllouris, wearing a white shirt and sporting short beard, with his long hair hanging over his face, sat expressionless in the dock as sentence was passed.
The victim’s brother, George Karapateas, told the Cyprus Mail the sentence had brought closure.
“I wish to thank the police, courts, and legal system for ensuring that serious accidents do not go unpunished in this country,” he said.
“Syllouris was treated like any other person, which is what we wanted. I know my brother won’t be coming back but the truth has come out, his name is cleared and he can rest in peace.”
The victim’s mother, Koulla cried out in the courthouse after the penalty was read: “I want my Petros back, I didn’t want anything else. People don’t understand.”
The victim’s father, Kyriakos, said: “Syllouris was found guilty and sentenced to a year in prison not because of the media, or because he is the son of Demitris Syllouris from Potamia, House president, but because three years ago he killed Petros Sabastian Karapateas.”
“The killing of Petros by Kyriakos Syllouris shattered the lives of all his friends in Cyprus, the UK and USA, and the family who are today still suffering in deep depression for his loss,” the father said in a statement.
“On September 21, 2013, Petros’ life came to a sudden end. No more adventure, no wedding, children, career. Zero. No opportunity for a second chance. An accident takes place in a second. The consequences can last forever. Death is permanent. Petros is gone forever.”
The father went on to explain importance he gave to the part played by judges in preventing accidents saying they should not hesitate in giving prison sentences.
“A prison sentence with good behaviour soon passes. If all drivers are aware that prison awaits their selfish and reckless behaviour, then perhaps they will drive with more care and life may be saved,” he said, concluding that “Another family need not go through the grief, heartache, and depression that the Karapateas family after three years, is still suffering. Death left in the wake of an accident is permanent.”
Petros Karapateas who was a teacher, attended the Grammar School in Nicosia, attaining his A levels before serving in the special forces of the National Guard at Stavrovouni.
He studied teaching and attained his diplomas from Oxford, eventually teaching part-time at the Grammar school, the American Academy, and Eurognosi where he was loved by teachers and students alike. He was a keen camper, scuba diver, bungee jumper, kayaker and rock climber.
Syllouris’ sentence was accompanied by ten points on his driving licence and an 18-month driving ban beginning immediately.
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