A 71 YEAR-OLD British pensioner was rushed to hospital following a vicious attack allegedly carried out by a construction worker building a retired couple’s dream retirement bungalow.
The attack took place last Saturday as the pensioner was inspecting the progress being made on the couple’s new home. He was rushed to Larnaca hospital where he remained overnight under observation and was released on Sunday after receiving treatment for his injuries. He is now waiting to see a specialist.
The couple signed contracts to build the bungalow in late 2005 in the eager anticipation of spending their retirement in Cyprus. However, their dream turned into a nightmare as the builders ran out of money and started demanding further payments to complete their new home.
Last year a lawyer, who the couple had recently appointed to help resolve their problems, obtained a judgment from the court in their favour instructing the landowner, from whom they bought the property, to complete the bungalow at the price originally agreed.
Many of their belongings, which they had stored in the bungalow, have gone missing; presumably stolen.
We understand that the 71-year-old has made a statement to the police and we will bring you further news on this story as we receive it.
Although rare, such attacks have occurred before. Most notably the two attacks on Conor O’Dwyer in 2006 and 2008. The later attack left Mr O’Dwyer hospitalised for several days. In that case the judge sentenced property developer Marios Karayiannas and his son Christoforos to 10-months in jail, suspended for two years.