Doros Theofanous, serving life for murder, admitted to escaping while visiting family under police escort, but denied conspiracy to do so with the 26-year-old alleged accomplice, who also denied any involvement in the convict’s disappearance.
Theofanous, 42, and the 26-year-old appeared before the criminal court in Paphos on Wednesday under draconian security measures to answer to the charges they are facing.
The trial will continue on February 14, 2025.
Both Theofanous and his alleged accomplice are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime between an unknown date and September 26, when the former escaped.
The prosecution requested that they remain in custody. The defence did not object.
The escapee, a hairdresser, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his pregnant partner, 24-year-old Yulia Oporok, and her child in 2011.
Theofanous’ escape from guard watch during a home visit while serving prison time sparked a nationwide manhunt. He was eventually captured in Limassol after being on the run for three days.
President Nikos Christodoulides fired the police chief, deputy police chief and the acting prison director as a result.
