Racist who kicked migrant mother jailed

A 44-year-old Greek Cypriot man caught on video physically assaulting and racially abusing a Congolese woman holding her 11-month-old baby last July was sentenced to eight months in prison.

Larnaca District Court found the man guilty on four charges, namely assault and causing actual bodily harm to the 29-year-old asylum seeker.

He was also found guilty of racist behaviour, public insult, and possessing an offensive weapon.

The attack occurred near Larnaca port on 13 July last year and was recorded and uploaded on social media, sparking widespread condemnation and public outrage.

The 29-year-old Congolese woman had bought a car from the accused and asked for her €920 back after discovering the car had mechanical problems.

She had it checked by a mechanic in Paralimni, where she lives.

The court was told the suspect then insulted her using a racist slur, telling the woman, “This is my country, and I will do what I want”.

He had allegedly threatened to kill her and her baby, said police.

He was also filmed attacking another man, reportedly her brother, who was accompanying her, punching him in the face.

After attacking the brother, he returned to punch the woman, who was still on the ground, in the face, also kicking her in the back.

An eyewitness recorded the incident on her mobile phone, whom the attacker threatened to kill, grabbing a crowbar when he realised his actions were being videoed.

Following the attack, a hospital examination showed that the woman suffered bruises and scratches on various parts of her body.

The man had pleaded not guilty, claiming that he had told the woman that he would return the money upon delivery of the car.