A 50-year-old man was sentenced to 22 months in prison after holding his ex-wife hostage inside her home in Larissa, threatening to set her on fire using gasoline while brandishing an axe. The decision was issued by the Larissa Misdemeanor Court of First Instance.
Conviction and Sentence
The court found him guilty of hostage-taking and imposed a total prison sentence of 22 months. The prosecutor recommended that part of the sentence be served in custody, and the court accepted this proposal. As a result, the defendant will serve two months of his sentence in prison.
Resolution of the Standoff
The suspect surrendered to police following negotiations led by a former officer and a friend of the officer — a key factor in peacefully ending the incident. The standoff occurred last Thursday (June 25) and included a live social media broadcast during which he threatened his ex-wife with an axe and a can of gasoline.
Victim’s Testimony
The 45-year-old woman testified in court, stating she feared for her life. When asked about her ability to leave the apartment, she replied with difficulty: “I couldn’t get out.” She recounted how, at one point, he grabbed her by the head and held the axe in his hands. She also described being subjected to intense verbal aggression and said he broke down a door — illustrating the constant psychological pressure she endured.
She clarified that, contrary to claims made during the trial, the man does maintain contact with their children — both in person and by phone — as she permits it, despite a prior court order restricting his access.
Defense Reaction
Her lawyer expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling, stressing that the woman remains deeply afraid for her safety.