Man to be charged with attempted murder of estranged wife

A MAN suspected of having thrown his estranged wife off a first floor balcony is to face a charge of attempted murder at the Nicosia Criminal Court.

Self-employed Nicos Hartounian, 37, from Geri village, yesterday told a Nicosia District Court that he understood the single charge against him.

Yesterday, State Prosecutor Alexia Shapanis informed the defendant, “On June 2, 2007, you attempted to cause the death of your separated wife, Elena Loizou from Latsia, by throwing her 4.07 metres down from the balcony of your first floor apartment in Geri onto the concrete car park floor.”

A total of 58 witnesses could to be called to stand trial should the defendant plead not guilty.

Accompanied by friends and relatives, the calm defendant simply answered, “I understand the charge.”

Judge Angelos David ordered the defendant to answer the charge of attempted murder at the Criminal Court on June 28.

“Until that time, the defendant will remain in police custody,” the judge added.
The prosecutor also submitted the case evidence to the judge

According to investigators, police had received a phone call from Hartounian that he had pushed his wife off his balcony.

She was rushed to Nicosia general hospital with a fractured skull and spine, police said.
The incident took place at the defendant’s apartment and in front of the couple’s two children.

The couple are understood to have fought over Hartounian’s involvement with another woman. The argument turned violent, with the woman eventually plunging off the balcony.

Her husband immediately called police to report what had happened.

The suspect had claimed that the woman had attacked him first and that he simply pushed her without any intention of hurting her.

The victim is said to be in a serious but stable condition.

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