Overview
- The Misdemeanour Court of Rhodes, which ruled Friday, sentenced operator Nikos Mallios, 57, to four years for health and safety breaches linked to the fatal trip.
- Mallios was released after the verdict pending appeal, and prosecutors have set a higher‑court case in Kos in October on charges of manslaughter by serial negligence and grievous bodily harm.
- The 2020 crash happened near Lindos when the rope tethering three teens to the boat detached and a gust of wind drove the parasail into rocks, killing Jessica Hayes, 15, and cousin Mikey Connelly, 13, as James Connelly survived after two weeks in a coma.
- In court, Mallios apologized but denied wrongdoing, while evidence and the families’ lawyer pointed to a triple‑seat ride, carriage of a child under 14, poor weather, and leaving the designated watersports zone.
- Jessica’s father called the conviction a first step toward justice and the families say lax oversight let the business keep operating after the crash, pressing for stronger enforcement and a tougher outcome at the October hearing.