In brief
A tragic incident at the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Paphos turned into a legal outcome when the father was fined €3,000 for causing the death of his toddler. The incident occurred on 12 July when the boy was placed on an open window sill to watch a waterpark and fell 40 ft (12 m) to his death. In the Paphos District Court, Foster admitted an error of judgement, claiming he thought the window was closed. The judge ruled there was no evidence of deliberate danger but condemned the momentary mistake that proved fatal. Foster, originally from Essex, has now returned home to the UK, while the family has expressed that the loss will never end. The case highlights the precision of safety standards in hotel windows and the legal accountability of parents overseas.
A 37‑year‑old father from Essex has been fined €3,000 (£2,500) in the Paphos District Court for the death of his 2‑year‑old son who fell from a fourth‑floor window of the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort on the 12th of July.
Foster claimed he placed his son on a windowsill attempting to show him a view of a waterpark and was “lost control” after thinking the window was closed. The child slipped, fell nearly 40 ft (about 12 m) and died later that night at Paphos General Hospital.
The court heard that the window had no obvious markings indicating it was open. Judge Froso Christodoulidou remarked the father’s error was “momentary” yet it resulted in a tragic and irreversible outcome. The judge added that “no evidence suggested a deliberate exposure to danger”.
Foster admitted the action was a reckless job. He later told reporters he was grateful for the support and looking forward to returning home to his wife and daughter.
In a statement released by the family, the parents remarked they were relieved the legal process “is now over” but the loss “will never end”. The mother said: “Our son was deeply loved and will forever be missed. His loss is something we carry with us every day.”
Foster said the incident happened during the family’s first evening on holiday. He added the premise that the boy had fallen before he could grab him, and stated he had an alcohol presence in his system but that was “not significant” to the court decision. His lawyer, Alexandros Alexandrou, stated the case should never have gone to court and lamented the eight‑day pre‑trial detention that prevented him from grieving at home.
The incident has prompted calls for stricter safety regulations on hotel windows in Cyprus, and underscored the critical importance of parent vigilance over young children.
For more detailed coverage read the original report and related updates on the Royal court docket.
