Court delivers life sentence in case of repeated abuse of minor
The Mixed Jury Court of Kos unanimously convicted a 38 year old man from Rhodes for repeatedly raping his 13 year old adopted daughter. Judges accepted the prosecutor recommendation for a life term along with additional imprisonment and financial penalties.
A life sentence combined with extra years of imprisonment results in an exceptionally severe punishment. The panel rejected all mitigating arguments presented by the defense, confirming a sentence of life imprisonment plus 16 years and a monetary fine.
Pre trial detention had already been ordered due to the gravity of the evidence and the perceived risk of reoffending. A disagreement between the investigating judge and the prosecutor regarding restrictive measures had earlier pushed the case before a judicial council, which sided with the prosecutor and ordered immediate detention.
How the case surfaced and the evidence assessed
The investigation began after the 13 year old confided in her mother through a message following a school lesson on sexual education, reporting abusive behavior by her adoptive father. Authorities were alerted immediately, leading to involvement from specialized health professionals and forensic examinations.
Her testimony was taken under a protocol designed for child witnesses and in the presence of a child psychologist. Evaluators described her account as consistent, convincing and free of signs of coaching.
Forensic assessments conducted by state medical experts indicated repeated abuse. Additional evidence included electronic messages provided by the mother, statements from individuals in the man circle describing concerning behavior and an incident at a social gathering where he allegedly attempted close contact with other minors while intoxicated.
Authorities seized his mobile phone, which remains under specialized forensic analysis for potential digital traces relevant to the case.
Defendant stance and denial
The defendant denies all accusations. He claims he was never alone with the child due to work schedules and the regular presence of others at home.
He acknowledges only 2 incidents of intense physical contact during moments when he and the child were partially undressed inside the house, labeling them awkward but not sexual in nature and arguing they were misunderstood.
His defense disputes the primary forensic report as insufficient and relies on private assessments that allegedly weaken the prosecution case. He also asserts that he has faced social stigmatization and online targeting.
