The Mixed Jury Court of Heraklion sentenced the 47-year-old Taekwondo coach to a total prison sentence of 12 years and four months, who sat on the bench after complaints from his former minor athletes.

The decision on the sentence was taken unanimously, after a marathon conference. The appeal has no staying power, meaning the coach goes back to jail.

It is recalled that the 47-year-old, who had been referred to the bench for eight criminal acts, was finally found guilty only for one felony involving his underage athlete, while for the remaining seven cases he was declared guilty of a misdemeanor.

The guilty verdict was by a 6-1 majority. One juror abstained who thought he should be found not guilty.

It is noted that the defendant was granted the mitigating factor of good behavior.

Earlier, the head prosecutor of the Joint Jury Court of Heraklion had suggested the guilt of the 47-year-old Taekwondo coach for four of the 8 felonies and four misdemeanors.

The prosecutor evaluated each case separately, saying the choice of victims was targeted. “He chose victims who he knew would not question him under any circumstances.”

As he mentioned, massage was not offered to everyone.

He also emphasized that it was not easy for the minor athletes to come out and speak as what they suffered, they suffered from their coach, the man they trusted and held high in their consciousness.