Appeals Court Upholds Verdict in Case of 10-Year-Old Boy's Death in Larnaca

The Court of Appeal has fully dismissed all appeals in the case regarding the death of 10-year-old Stavros Giorgallis from Klavdia, upholding the decision of the Larnaca District Court. The court sustained the conviction of doctor Iraklis Pantelidakis and the acquittal of doctor Kyriakos Kyriakidis.

The tragedy occurred in May 2018. The boy suffered a head injury during a school activity and was taken to the Emergency Department of Larnaca General Hospital. Following an examination, the child was discharged despite an X-ray showing a skull fracture that went undiagnosed by the treating physicians.

The child's condition later deteriorated, and he passed away.

In its ruling dated February 12, 2026, the court stated that the misinterpretation of the X-ray initiated the chain of events leading to the child's death. It also noted that while Larnaca Hospital lacked a neurosurgeon or specialized department, the incorrect diagnosis prevented the activation of emergency protocols to involve a specialist or transfer the child to Nicosia General Hospital.

According to medical testimony, the child could have been saved if a neurosurgeon had been available during the second visit.

The Appeals Court acknowledged that the lower court erred in suspending the 18-month prison sentence. However, given that nearly seven years have passed since the events, the court decided to maintain the suspended nature of the sentence.

The appeal against the acquittal of the second doctor was dismissed, as the court agreed there was no proof of his active involvement in the actions that led to the misdiagnosis.