Crete balcony jump dad cleared of murder

A man who jumped with his two children off a hotel balcony in Crete has been cleared of murder but will be placed in a psychiatric unit.John Hogan, 33, hurled six-year-old Liam from the balcony then jumped himself with his two-year-old daughter Mia in a suicidal act described as "selfish love" by his ex-wife Natasha, 35.Liam died of head injuries but Hogan and Mia survived with broken limbs during the family holiday in August 2006.Earlier, Hogan told the court that he had been "forgiven by God". He said: "I do not feel guilty because I did not do it. This person you see before you is not the person who jumped from the balcony, from the fourth floor. I already have my son's forgiveness and I have God's forgiveness."President Paraskeri Kiraleou, the senior judge at the trial held in Crete, said: "His responsibility was diminished. He was incapable of murdering his son and he needs to be in a psychiatric unit for therapy."Following the verdict, a statement was read out on the steps of the court by Avon and Somerset police constable Russ Jones on behalf of Mrs Hogan who criticised the verdict.The statement said: "We have found it particularly difficult to hear the circumstances of Liam's death all over again. I feel deeply for my family and especially my mother, who has provided me with a great deal of support throughout."The Greek authorities have had a considerable time to examine the evidence gathered both by themselves and the UK police."I have done my best to provide a balanced view of John and our life together so that the Greek court is aware of the troubled times in both John's life and our relationship together."This result, albeit somewhat unexpected, has left me feeling that Liam lost his young life for nothing. I accept that an act in a moment of complete madness was uncharacteristic of John but to have done this to our children was unforgivable."I know that we all miss Liam but it is Mia and I that are left to rebuild our lives without a loving, caring son and brother.John is no longer my husband and plans are afoot to rebuild our lives away from the media spotlight. You have all heard our lives laid bare during the court process."I ask now that you allow us time to reflect, to rebuild and move on with dignity, and show due reverence for my dear son Liam."Hogan earlier told the court his children "meant the world" to him.He said: "I loved my mother, I loved my two sisters but I loved my wife and children more than anything. They meant the world to me."And he told the court he was the best dad two children could have."I did not believe I was man enough to be a dad. But when Liam came along I was a beautiful dad. I was having counselling. I was having medication but it wasn't helping so I stopped the counselling and the medication. It was all my fault. I used to have panic attacks."Whatever you do to me in this court, no one can do to me what I have already done to myself. I have lost a daughter and I have lost a son until someone decides to take my life. I'm not even allowed to write a letter to her."After breaking down in tears, Hogan added: "My wife has every right to hate me. I took away her children."Recalling that night at the hotel, he said: "I have no memory of the arguments. The only memory I have is of the suitcases and Natasha."I do not remember shouting, maybe I did. The only people who would know is Liam, who is dead. I remember the suitcases on the bed. That is it."He went on: "All I can remember is being sat on the balcony with my two children in my arms asleep. When my wife told me she was going to go to my mother's, I just said I wanted to go with them."When asked about threats she alleged he made to burn the house down, he said: "Maybe I did say it. I do not remember. There is so much that happened that night and, thank goodness, I cannot remember it."Yesterday in my cell I saw on TV the place where it all happened. I felt awful, I was shaking and I wanted to see a doctor."I cannot remember it. I have tried to but I just cannot. When I sought help I was told I must have jumped with the two children in my arms because the only reason my daughter survived was because she landed on top of me."© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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ITN | January 23, 2008

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