Newsroom
An unlicensed practitioner acting as a psychologist in Cyprus has received a six-year prison sentence following his conviction for the sexual abuse of a 17-year-old patient.
On June 23, 2026, the Limassol Permanent Assize Court handed down the immediate custodial sentence after a closed-door trial. The court found the 45-year-old man guilty on four counts related to child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and violence against women, concluding that he systematically abused his position of authority and influence over the minor.
The prosecution built its case around testimonies from nine individuals alongside statements from the victim. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that while the victim was under his care, the defendant kissed her on the face and mouth before engaging in a sexual act. Although the defense called three witnesses and the accused testified under oath, the panel of judges ultimately rejected their arguments.
The court structured the final sentence around concurrent prison terms, with the longest individual penalty lasting six years. To safeguard the public after his eventual release, the judiciary implemented a three-year restrictive order that begins the day he leaves prison. Under these conditions, the man cannot offer services to minors, work in environments where children gather, or live near organized facilities frequented by youth. He will also remain under the supervision of a specialized state monitoring authority throughout his incarceration and for three years afterward.
Following the verdict, the Cyprus Psychologists Registration Council issued a public statement clarifying that the man has never been registered on their official roster. Because he lacked both the necessary credentials and a valid professional license, the regulatory body emphasized that he was operating entirely outside the legal boundaries of the profession. The council reiterated its zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and stated that they treat any complaints involving the safety of minors with maximum severity.
