Prisoner detained after restaurant burglary in Paphos

Convict detained on suspicion of stealing from a restaurant while on authorised leave

A 56-year-old Central Prison inmate was detained on suspicion of breaking into a restaurant in Paphos and stealing around €6,000.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the man was outside the prison on officially authorised leave. He had been granted leave as part of a rehabilitation and family-visit programme in Paphos when the incident occurred, which is now being investigated by police.

After his detention, the man was remanded in custody. He is expected to appear before the Paphos court, where police will request his continued detention to conduct the investigation.

According to the Ministry, the man is serving a six-year sentence for offences related to stealing from an employer and laundering proceeds obtained through criminal activity.

After serving more than half of his sentence, he was enrolled in a programme preparing inmates for reintegration into society, which provides opportunities to work outside the institution and gradually adapt to life after release.

In connection with the new case, Central Prison has begun reviewing his participation in the programme, as well as the conditions under which he continues to serve his sentence.