Couple Sentenced in Limassol for Indecent Acts at Private Tutoring Center — Suspended Sentence Given

A Limassol court has sentenced a married couple in a case involving indecent acts against a minor. The man admitted to twice committing indecent acts against a 9-year-old girl at a private tutoring center, while his wife—the owner of the institution—allowed him to work with children.

The offenses were committed prior to January 27, 2018; however, the court ruling was only issued last week—eight years later.

The 63-year-old teacher pleaded guilty to two counts:

• On January 27, 2018, he unlawfully and indecently touched a 9-year-old girl;
• A similar act had occurred previously at the same tutoring center.

His wife admitted that between September 2017 and January 2018, she employed him in a role involving regular contact with children without ensuring he was not listed on the special register of persons linked to offenses against minors (pursuant to Law 91(I)/2014).

Judge Chr. Mithletton emphasized that such crimes in an educational setting undermine public trust in the child protection system. The judge specifically noted the repetitive nature of the acts and the significant age gap between the accused (63) and the child (9), which increased the victim's vulnerability.

At the same time, the court took into account that:

• The acts were not accompanied by physical violence or coercion;
• They involved brief touching over clothing;
• No sexual motive or systematic nature of the acts was proven;
• No long-term psychological consequences for the child were established.

Nevertheless, the court stressed that even such actions are serious crimes requiring deterrent measures.

Sentence

• The husband was sentenced to 4 months in prison.
• The wife was sentenced to 2 months in prison.

However, the execution of the sentence was suspended for three years.

The court indicated that immediate imprisonment would be primarily punitive and disproportionate given the circumstances of the case and the long period elapsed since the offenses.

The tutoring center closed following the incident. The court noted that this is a natural consequence of such crimes but cannot serve as a significant mitigating factor.