Hotel leap father returns to UK

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John Hogan is escorted by police after landing at London's Heathrow airport

A man who threw his two children from a hotel balcony in Crete, before jumping himself, has arrived back in the UK.

John Hogan had been released from a psychiatric hospital where he was sent in January 2008 after being cleared of murdering his six-year-old son Liam.

Mr Hogan, 38, of Bristol, was thought to have been accompanied on the flight by relatives and a Greek doctor.

He has always maintained he has no memory of his actions in August 2006. His daughter Mia, then two, survived.

Psychotic episode

Mr Hogan's return to the UK was made possible after magistrates in Athens decided he had made an adequate recovery and would not pose a threat to other passengers or himself during the flight home.

It is believed he checked out of the Athens Psychiatric Hospital on Sunday.

He has to make his own decision on what he wants to do Avon and Somerset Police spokesman

The murder trial in Crete found him innocent of all charges, accepting evidence from mental health specialists that he had suffered a catastrophic psychotic episode.

Managers at the psychiatric hospital in Athens have argued that his psychological recovery would be enhanced by a return to Britain.

Mr Hogan's solicitor Kerstin Scheel said: "Today, Mr John Hogan has left the psychiatric unit in Greece to return to the UK.

"Upon his return Mr Hogan will be admitted immediately to a psychiatric hospital for continued care."

Ms Scheel added that John Hogan has respected his former wife's wish that he does not seek contact with their daughter Mia.

She said: "Mr Hogan will not attempt either now or in the future to contact Mia. Any decision to make contact must come from his daughter.

"Mr Hogan does not want to cause any further unhappiness or distress for the family."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "He is a free man returning to the UK.

"He has to make his own decision on what he wants to do.

"We the police and other appropriate agencies will provide support in light of the anticipated media interest."