The family of a two-year-old boy who fell nearly 40ft to his death from a hotel window in Cyprus have paid tribute to their “deeply loved” son, adding that the “consequences of this tragedy will never end”.
Joshua Foster was fined 3,000 euro (£2,500) at Paphos District Court on Friday after admitting recklessly causing the death of his son.
In a statement, the child’s family said he would be “forever missed” and asked for privacy as they work to find “a way forward”.
The family said: “Today marks the end of the legal proceedings in Cyprus, and we are grateful to the Court and Judge Christodoulidou for her decision to apply the maximum mitigation afforded to her.
“We are relieved that this process is now over, but for our family, the consequences of this tragedy will never end.
“Our son was deeply loved and will be forever missed. His loss is something we carry with us every day.
“Our focus now is on supporting one another and finding a way forward as a family. We ask that our privacy is respected as we do so.”
Lawyer Alexandros Alexandrou speaking to journalists outside Paphos District Court in Cyprus (James Manning/PA)
PA Wire
The boy fell from the fourth floor of the five-star King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Chlorakas on July 12, the first day of the family’s holiday.
The court previously heard that Foster, 37, placed his child on a windowsill so he could look out at the view of a waterpark, not realising that the section of the window was open.
In a voluntary statement to police, Foster said that when he placed his son on the windowsill, the boy “fell before he had a chance to grab him”.
The toddler was taken to Paphos General Hospital where, despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead.
Lawyer Alexandros Alexandrou speaking to journalists (James Manning/PA)
PA Wire
Foster’s lawyer, Alexandros Alexandrou, said the process had been “exceptionally difficult” for his client and acknowledged the “care and sensitivity” with which the court handled the case.
He added: “Throughout the proceedings, our position has been that this was a momentary lapse of attention, without negligence, which has been reflected in Judge Froso Christodoulidou’s decision to apply the maximum mitigation possible.
“This isolated, unintended incident had devastating and unimaginable consequences.
“Nothing about today’s outcome changes the profound loss this family has suffered. We ask that the family be afforded privacy, compassion and respect as they move forward.”