A Greek court has sentenced a 56-year-old man to seven months in prison, suspended for three years, after finding him guilty of making domestic threats during a violent incident at his family home in the city of Volos.
According to the case file, the incident began when the man became angry because his five-year-old child was eating on the sofa instead of at the dining table. Prosecutors said the argument quickly escalated, with the father smashing household items, including a television, and throwing pots, plates, an ironing board and other objects around the house.
Authorities said he also verbally abused and threatened his 45-year-old wife before leaving the property in his father-in-law’s car.
Wife sought protection for herself and six children
The man’s wife told the court she feared for her own safety and that of the couple’s six children, aged between five and 18. She requested protective measures, saying the violent outburst took place in front of the children and was triggered by what she described as a trivial incident.
She also rejected the option of criminal mediation, telling the court she wanted legal protection until she and the children could leave the family home.
As part of its ruling, the court banned the man from approaching or contacting his wife for the duration of the suspended sentence. He will, however, be allowed to see his children under conditions set by the court.
Defendant: “I did it for discipline”
During his testimony, the defendant admitted causing the damage but denied threatening his wife. He argued that his actions were intended to impose discipline on his children, particularly regarding household rules and exposure to violent television content.
“I didn’t do it out of malice, but for discipline,” he told the court, adding that he had previously received psychological support.
The court ultimately found him guilty of domestic threats, imposing a seven-month suspended prison sentence along with the restraining order protecting his wife.
