Temporarily released yesterday, Monday, after his marathon apology to the investigator, the 47-year-old boxing coach from Patras, accused of indecent assault, after a 14-year-old female gymnast made a complaint against him.
Due to a disagreement between the investigator and the prosecutor, the final decision is now to be taken by the Plenary Council, which is expected to meet within the week.
"You will learn everything..."
The accused, leaving the Patras Courthouse, had no problem talking to the media "I am innocent. The truth will appear crystal clear afterwards," he said and thanked all those who supported him and were outside the courts, where he was greeted with applause and hugs. Asked why the 14-year-old student denounced him, the coach cryptically said, "You'll find out everything..."
His lawyer, Patras lawyer Christos Tsolkas, referring to the in-court disagreement, explained: "The prosecutor was of the opinion that he should be remanded in custody and the investigating judge that he should be released. I must tell you that I am convinced that the board will side with Mr. investigator, since there is no case."
He further pointed out that the complainant has fallen into numerous contradictions. Asked why his client was then denounced by the 14-year-old schoolgirl, he said: "My job is to prove whether it is true or false. I can't speculate on the motive of anyone unless I have evidence." He added: "About 10 people have already testified in our favour who were eyewitnesses and have refuted what he says. Others will testify in the process and I want to believe that we will be vindicated."
Students and parents have testified in favor of the coach (as eyewitnesses) two of whom state that they were present at the incident and allegedly deny everything, as well as two other students who were training with the minor.
The lawyer added that his client is a 25-year boxing coach, with athletes who have won dozens of medals and distinctions, in European competitions and even in the Olympics.
"My client has passed exams in the Patra community. 2,500 Patrino children have passed through his hands and no complaint has been made against him. He has a clean criminal record, he is a family man. I believe that the complaints against him will fall on deaf ears, "said Mr. Tsolkas."
Mother of 14-year-old girl: "The coach touched her body for an hour."
The mother of the 14-year-old girl spoke to Konstantinos Flamis (Sky Patras) yesterday and said that her daughter described that the coach touched her body for an hour. On picking her up from the gym, she saw her upset and when she told her what had happened, she asked her to change coaches. When he asked her why she was crying, he told her that the coach had been physically touching her in places that were not warranted. The mother called the coach to ask for an explanation, he denied everything and she immediately went to the police and made the complaint.
Source.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs to Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
