Paphos, Cyprus. A 30-year-old woman from Paphos was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison on Tuesday for burglary, theft and malicious damage. The court heard she stole jewellery and cash from a residence.
Break-in and theft
The Paphos District Court heard that a year ago the woman broke into a Paphos residence and stole €30,000 in jewellery and €340 in cash. The items were taken from the bedroom while the homeowner was inside the house.
Detention and court remarks
The homeowner called her husband, who was outside in the yard, and he managed to stop the suspect in a neighbouring park. The judge said the woman was wearing the homeowner’s wedding ring, which he said showed a “complete lack of empathy”.
Court position on mitigation
Despite her lawyer’s plea regarding her difficult upbringing, the court said personal hardships do not justify criminal acts.
What do you think the court’s sentence signals about how such crimes are treated in Paphos?