A 47-year-old father appeared before a court in the city of Chania after being arrested over the physical abuse of his 16-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum and has a certified disability rating of 79%.

The case emerged following a complaint filed by the boy’s 46-year-old mother with police authorities on May 17. The report prompted an immediate investigation and led to the arrest of the father.

According to police findings, the latest incident took place last Saturday night inside the family home. Authorities say the accused reportedly struck his teenage son with his hands, targeting the boy’s head and body.

However, the mother told investigators that the incident was not isolated. In her testimony, she alleged that the teenager had been subjected to repeated abuse over a longer period. She claimed that the father had previously hit the boy in the head, face and body and, on another occasion, locked him inside a storage room as a form of punishment.

Prosecutors have brought misdemeanor charges against the 47-year-old, including domestic bodily harm and domestic threats.

A forensic medical examination has been ordered to document any injuries sustained by the teenager and include the findings in the case file.

At the same time, social welfare services have been notified and are expected to assess the living conditions of the minor while providing support to both the child and his mother.