Man jailed for attempted rape

A MAN of 45 was jailed for five years for kidnapping and attempting to rape a woman from Nicosia.

Andreas Costa Demou, alias Blackis, had confessed to charges of kidnap, assault and attempted rape. Yesterday, he told Judge Lemonia Kaoutzanis that he was sorry for what he ha done and that his behaviour was due to his frequent alcohol and drug problem.

Demou is already serving a two-year prison sentence for stealing money from a coffeeshop.

The incident, which was reported to the police by the victim and her son, took place on July 27, 2003. Demou had told the woman, who was an acquaintance, that her son was drunk somewhere and that she needed to go to him. He gave her lift, but at some point during the journey stopped his car, took off his clothes, attacked her and tried to rape her.
The woman managed to escape and went back to her house. DNA samples taken from the woman, as well as careful examination of her clothes indicated that she had been attacked by Demou.

Summing up yesterday before handing out sentence, Judge Kaoutzanis highlighted the welfare report made on the man – which clearly showed his troubled life.

The report revealed that Demou was unemployed, had four children and had turbulent relationships with former wives and girlfriends. He also had a troubled childhood with his alcoholic father frequently beating his mother.

“It appears that the accused has made some positive strides in prison. His conduct is excellent and he has taken an interest in oil-painting”, said Judge Kaoutzanis.

“However, the offences, which are sexual in nature, are very serious and justice must be served in this case. The court has taken into consideration the fact that the accused immediately confessed to the crime and orders that he serve a five-year prison sentence. The sentence is to be added to the ongoing prison sentence that he is currently serving.”