A father whose two-year-old boy fell from the fourth floor of a five-star hotel in Cyprus has been fined €3,000 (£2,500) for causing his death.

Joshua Foster thought the window was closed when he placed his son on a sill to show him the view of a waterpark and “lost control” of him, Paphos District Court previously heard.

The toddler fell nearly 40ft (12.1m) from the fourth floor of the King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort on 12 July, the first day of the family’s holiday in Chlorakas.

Foster, 37, from Essex, admitted causing death through a reckless, rash or dangerous act and was sentenced on Friday morning.

He told reporters afterwards: “Thank you for the support. I’m looking forward to going home and being with my wife and daughter.”

The auditor, his wife, two children and in-laws had arrived in Cyprus in the early hours of the morning on the date of the incident.

They spent the day carrying out various activities, including visiting the pool, before getting ready for dinner in the evening.

At about 18:00, Foster, his father-in-law and son walked towards an elevator, and his lawyer, Alexandros Alexandrou, told the court he was in a “good mood” and was playing with his son.

The court was told that as they approached the lift, the boy noticed a waterpark outside.

It was said that Foster pushed the lift button, placed the child on the windowsill and the “inconceivable” unfolded before he could react.

Alexandrou told an earlier hearing, which took place on October 6, that Foster’s life “changed forever” from that moment.

Police were called to reports of a child falling “under unknown circumstances” at about 18:40.

The boy was taken to Paphos General Hospital and later pronounced dead.

In a voluntary statement to police, Foster said when he placed his son on the windowsill, the boy “fell before he had a chance to grab him”.

While Foster had alcohol in his system, it did not form a significant part of the case against him – and his lawyer said there was no testimony he was drunk.

Alexandrou said Foster was held in custody for eight days immediately after the incident and had to call his daughter from custody to explain what had happened.

The court heard the window was 2.85m (9.3ft) wide and 1.2m (3.9ft) high.

In a statement outside court, Alexandrou described his client as an “incredible father”.

“[He is] an exemplary family man with a beautiful family behind him, that support him, that embraces him, that has always been by his side.”

He added Foster was “very emotional” after the sentencing and the family needed time to grieve properly.

“They have been in a defence mode during this procedure,” Alexandrou said.

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