A British man who threw his six-year-old son to his death from a hotel balcony in Greece was cleared of murder today.
John Hogan (33) from Bristol, threw son Liam from the fourth floor then jumped himself with his two-year-old daughter Mia in a suicidal act in August 2006 described as "selfish love" by his ex-wife Natasha.
Liam died of head injuries but Mr Hogan and Mia survived with broken limbs in the incident during their holiday on the island of Crete.
John Hogan pictured before today's court hearing
A court on the island today cleared him of murder and ruled he should be placed in a psychiatric unit. Paraskeri Kiraleou, the senior judge at the trial, said: "His responsibility was diminished. He was incapable of murdering his son and he needs to be in a psychiatric unit for therapy."
Mr Hogan said nothing as he was led from court by two police officers. As he left the building, he shot a quick glance at his mother Josephine who looked tearful.
His lawyer Dimitris Xiritakis told reporters: "It is the right verdict." He said: "John Hogan is very happy with the verdict."
Refering to Mr Hogan's family members, he added: "Everyone is with him now."
Mr Hogan will continue to receive treatment in Greece while the British and Greek authorities dicuss his
Mr Hogan's ex-wife Natasha pictured in Crete today
long-term care. Mr Xiritakis added: "Now they (his Greek carers) know him he will remain in Athens while they discuss what to do. "They cannot send him to prison."
Mr Hogan's ex-wife Natasha condemned the verdict, saying that her son had "lost his young life for nothing".
During the trial the court heard that Mr Hogan's relationship with his wife had been breaking down and their attempt to salvage their marriage during the holiday had failed.
On the night he plunged from the hotel balcony with their children, she had just started packing her bags, telling him she was going to his mother's.
Mr Hogan told the court he felt no guilt over Liam's death as his son and God had already forgiven him.
Earlier today, Mr Hogan told the court: "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."
He said: "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, shaking Mr Hogan added: "My wife has every right to hate me. I took away her children."
Mr Hogan's mother Josephine (65) moved to Bristol from Ireland 30 years ago.
PA