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Trial for 3-year-old Angelos's Death: 44-year-old Defendant Testifies, Mother Says 'I Regret Not Leaving'
🇬🇷 Greece /Crime & Justice

Trial for 3-year-old Angelos's Death: 44-year-old Defendant Testifies, Mother Says 'I Regret Not Leaving'

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified In the courts
  • A trial is underway in Greece for the death of a 3-year-old boy, Angelos, who suffered 32 injuries before his death.
  • The 44-year-old partner of the child's mother is on trial, accused of abuse, while the mother also faces charges related to earlier abuse by the biological father.
  • The mother testified that she was isolated and threatened by her partner, and that she did not take the child to the hospital due to fear and lack of resources.

The trial for the death of 3-year-old Angelos in Crete is continuing, focusing on the testimony of the 44-year-old partner of the child's mother. The case has garnered significant attention due to its shocking nature, with a forensic report detailing 32 injuries, bruises, and burns of varying ages on the child's body.

I regret not taking the child and leaving.

— MotherThe mother's statement during her testimony in court.

The 44-year-old defendant had not appeared for a previous session, citing illness. On that day, only Angelos's mother and biological father testified. The biological father is accused of an abuse incident that allegedly occurred before the child was brought to Crete.

The child's 27-year-old mother, Eleftheia, maintained during her testimony that she was a good mother and never hit her son, whom she adored. She attributed the abuse solely to her then-partner, claiming she only witnessed him hitting Angelos twice. She stated he hit the child on the knees and elbows with a crib slat on one occasion and found him injured on the leg another time. In both instances, she said, the 44-year-old refused to take the child to the hospital.

I was a good mother and I never hit my child, whom I adored.

— MotherThe mother's defense during her testimony.

She also testified that her partner isolated her, threatening her if she spoke to her mother and suggesting they could have another child if something happened to Angelos. The court president highlighted contradictions in the mother's testimony, questioning why she didn't seek medical help for the 32 injuries noted by the forensic examiner. The mother responded that she had nowhere to go, lacked resources, and didn't know anyone.

If you talk to your mother, you will end up in the trash.

— PartnerThe mother's testimony about threats from her partner.

Recounting the day of Angelos's death, the mother stated her partner sent her to buy coffee. Upon her return, she heard him shouting the child's name. She found Angelos on the sofa with his eyes rolled back, barely able to whisper "mama." The partner explained that the child had become dizzy, lost his balance, and hit the coffee table.

Don't worry... If something happens to your child, we'll have another.

— PartnerThe mother's testimony about her partner's callous remarks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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