The sentence for the Sergeant Major of the Commando Squadron, who was found guilty, will be announced next Monday in connection with the death of 27-year-old commando, Panagiotis Gianniou, who lost his life after falling into the sea, during a military exercise, in June 2022.
It is recalled that Gianniou fell from a National Guard helicopter, which was performing a flight in the sea area of Lara, as part of the Helocast exercise, following an order he received from the defendant, who was responsible for the helicopter drop.
The Sergeant was found guilty on July 10 by the Nicosia Military Court of the offense of causing death due to a reckless, reckless or dangerous act, while today he was brought before the Court again, where his defense attorney spoke for a mitigation of his sentence.
In his written statement, which he submitted to the Court, the convicted person conveys his sincere condolences and deep sorrow to the family of the deceased Panagiotis Gianniou.
Archilochias' lawyer, Andreas Frangos, focused during his speech on the convicted man's military career, his reaction during the incident, his clean criminal record, as well as his family and financial situation, asking the Court to show the "maximum possible leniency."
Addressing the court, his lawyer requested that if the Court imposes a prison sentence, it be suspended.
Moreover, Mr. Frangos spoke of "a momentary mistake," for which, based on the case law he cited, a fine could be imposed and not imprisonment.
However, he noted that in the event of imprisonment, "we are requesting that it be suspended," adding that the defendant "asks that you show the greatest possible leniency when imposing the sentence."
In addition, Mr. Frangos asked that the factor of the length of time it took to complete the trial of the case be taken into account, noting that the change of answer was not a delay but a constitutional right.
In addition, he also referred to Archilochias' reaction during the incident, saying that he was the first to jump into the sea to save Giannios, at the risk of his own life, while adding that he "gave first aid and stayed with him on the boat", which "does not show a person who is only interested in himself".
During the speech, a letter was read from current and former Commanders of the Archilochia, who stand in his favor, including his then-acting Commander.
Former and current Governors request, through their letter, the Court's leniency in the sentencing.
Referring to the Sergeant Major, Mr. Frangos said that "he is a model of a cadre, with impeccable ethics and professionalism," while speaking of a "necessary cadre" in the National Guard.
Meanwhile, extensive reference was made to his education, while it was noted that he is the "only" member of the National Guard who possesses cumulative qualifications and education.
As stated, among other things, he is a freefall parachutist, a member of the Cyprus Parachutist Team, with participation in international competitions, a graduate of the Parachutist Packer School, a graduate of the Underwater Disasters School, while it was noted that he has graduated from two NATO centers, the Maritime Deterrence Center in Souda, Crete, and the NATO Center in Slovenia.
Also, according to his lawyer, he trained in freefall with the French, while at his own expense he also trained in Russia.
The defense attorney referred extensively to Archilochias' family and financial situation, requesting that the defendant's personal circumstances be taken into account in the sentence to be imposed on him.
"If a prison sentence is imposed," argued Mr. Frangos, "there will be a family collapse."
The Court will announce the sentence on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 09:30.
Source: KYPE
