Nicosia, Cyprus. The court of appeal on Tuesday increased the prison sentences of two men convicted over a series of residential burglaries, ruling that the original penalties were too lenient. In a unanimous decision, it partly upheld appeals by the attorney-general.
Appeal ruling
The court found that the Nicosia district court had failed to give sufficient weight to the pair’s repeated criminal activity and the need for deterrent sentences.
Offences admitted
The two men admitted carrying out a series of burglaries, many of them at night, stealing jewellery, cash and other valuables worth tens of thousands of euros. They also pleaded guilty to laundering €43,780 obtained through the offences.
Aggravating factors
The appeals court said the trial court had erred by not treating the repeated nature of the crimes as an aggravating factor. It said residential burglaries remain a serious offence that undermines people’s sense of security and requires firm punishment.
Mitigating circumstances considered
Judges said mitigating factors, including guilty pleas, clean records, youth and personal circumstances, had been considered but did not outweigh the need to protect the public and deter similar crimes.
Sentences increased
The ruling highlighted burglaries in occupied homes, including one involving a 96-year-old woman, as particularly serious. Several prison terms were increased.
Sentences for the most serious night-time burglaries rose from 22 months to 36 months, while the sentence for money laundering increased from 24 months to 36 months.
Conclusion of the court
The court of appeal concluded that the original sentences did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the offences or the sustained nature of the criminal activity.
