An unprecedented incident at the Limassol permanent criminal court occurred on Friday when a convicted man physically attacked a representative of the prosecuting authority immediately after his sentence was announced.

The man, sentenced to four years in prison for kidnapping a woman, erupted violently as he left the bench and punched the prosecutor in the face.

Although escorted by police during his trial, the attack was not prevented as police were reportedly taken by surprise.

The convicted individual was quickly restrained by officers.

The prosecutor sustained facial injuries and was transported by ambulance to hospital for treatment.

Attorney-general George Savvides “unequivocally condemned” the incident, and instructed police-chief Themistos Arnaoutis to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances.