Balcony leap father 'could be freed in months'
- 00:01:37
- ITN
Balcony leap father 'could be freed in months'
The British father who killed his six-year-old-son by throwing him from a hotel balcony in Crete could be released within months.John Hogan, 33, was cleared of murder after doctors in Athens ruled he was "incapable" of deliberately taking Liam's life.Less than a month ago Mr Hogan was diagnosed with suffering from an "earthquake" of psychosis.But a source at the Hospital of Attica near Athens said that Mr Hogan, who jumped from the balcony with two-year-old daughter Mia - who survived the fall - after hurling Liam, has made "remarkable" progress.The source said: "He could soon be declared fit enough but this does not mean his release is imminent. His release would have to be approved by a court, a process which could take at least six months."Mr Hogan's ex-wife Natasha claimed after the trial that her son had "lost his life for nothing".Her new husband Richard Visser told the Sunday Mirror that she was "devastated" by reports Mr Hogan could soon be freed.He said: "Natasha is devastated and concerned that he could be released and return to the UK but we have no control over that."The news comes as another blow to Mr Hogan's ex-wife and her new family. She has already been told that it is "highly unlikely" Mr Hogan will face further charges on returning to Britain.© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
ITN | February 17, 2008
