Man jailed for theft of car linked to planning of Stavros Demosthenous murder

Limassol, Cyprus. A 30-year-old man was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Wednesday after admitting to arranging the theft of a car believed to have been intended for use in planning the murder of Stavros Demosthenous.

The Limassol criminal court ruled unanimously that imprisonment was appropriate, taking into account the defendant’s admission, remorse, personal circumstances and previous convictions.

Court decision

The court said it considered the defendant’s immediate admission, subsequent remorse, personal circumstances and other mitigating factors presented before it.

It also took into account that another case against him is pending before the Limassol district court and that he has three previous convictions for offences of a similar nature.

The court said that “any other sentence would be inadequate” and imposed an 18-month term. The sentence takes account of the period he has spent in custody since October 19, 2025.

Stolen vehicle

The 30-year-old admitted that, in exchange for €300, he instructed another person to steal a priest’s car on October 5, 2025.

Police found the vehicle on October 14 with false registration plates, three days before Demosthenous was murdered on October 17.

Two containers holding flammable material were found inside the car, while property belonging to the priest, valued at €1,750 in total, was missing.

Murder trial defendants

Three defendants standing trial over Demosthenous’ murder — a 31-year-old and two 28-year-olds — also appeared before the criminal court on Wednesday.

They face charges including premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegal possession, transportation and use of firearms and explosives.

Defence lawyers requested additional time to examine new evidence and agree with the prosecution on admitted facts.