Judge tells Slovak to show more respect to Cyprus

A SLOVAKIAN man, charged with stealing a bottle of perfume, was yesterday told by a Nicosia judge to show some respect to Cyprus after he told the court that “Cyprus is nice for a holiday but not to work”.

Unemployed Martin Jurena, 30, had pleaded guilty stealing a bottle of perfume valued at £49 on Tuesday because he was unable to find a job.

Jurena, who also told the court that he was a qualified lorry mechanic in Slovakia, had in the past been fined £600 for stealing a bottle of aftershave.

Yesterday, Judge Lemonia Kaoutzani jailed the defendant for 15 days.

And the Slovakian’s comment also did little to help his mitigation plea when he told the court that “I was forced to steal because nobody would hire me”.

He also told the judge that “Cyprus is nice for a holiday but not to work”.

The unimpressed judge told the defendant, “Cyprus is a hospitable country and should not be looked upon simply as just nice holiday destination.

“Thousands of people come to Cyprus legally and work and they do not feel the need to break the law. It is thus expected from all foreigners that come to Cyprus to respect the laws of the land.”

The judged added, “The fact that the defendant could not find work does not mean that he has the excuse to continuously break the law. The punishment for his offence is serious and can carry a prison sentence of up to three years imprisonment.

“As far as mitigation is concerned, the court also takes into consideration the fact that the defendant stole an item that does not carry a big value.”