Grandfather released after child withdraws allegations

A 73-year-old man suspected of sexually harassing his granddaughter, aged 11 was released after all charges were dropped on Monday at the Paphos Criminal court.

The decision was taken after the girl said she no longer stood by her allegations. Prosecutors have now suspended criminal proceedings.

Should any complaints be filed again, the case will be taken to court.

Held in the central prisons for two months, the 73-year-old has maintained his innocence, denying the charges.

Friends and family present at the case broke out in applause when the court announced the decision.

The 11-year-old girl reported the allegations to police on October 20 when she headed to a Paphos station along with her mother, 33, and a social welfare employee telling officers between August 1 and October 17, her grandfather had harassed her on six different occasions when he was home alone with her.

He was arrested on the same day.

The court proceedings were held behind closed doors to protect the identity of the underage girl.