Silvano Chessa, the father of 18-year-old Claudia Chessa, insists that his daughter fell from a Paceville hotel balcony while trying to escape her abusive boyfriend, Alessio Lupo, 27.

He strongly refuted any suggestion that she jumped due to a simple argument, emphasising that she was fleeing for her life.

According to Chessa, Claudia and Lupo had gone to a club near the hotel, where an argument broke out. Lupo, allegedly under the influence of drugs, became aggressive when Claudia insisted on returning to the hotel.

Once there, the violence escalated. Chessa claims CCTV footage from outside the hotel shows Claudia screaming for help before jumping in an attempt to escape.

He detailed the injuries his daughter suffered, saying Lupo hit her, pulled her hair, bit her, and punched her in the chest. She had visible marks and missing patches of hair.

He also revealed that days before the incident, Claudia had confided in her mother about Lupo slapping her and later apologising.

Lupo was arraigned in court and pleaded guilty to threatening and injuring Claudia, as well as drug possession. He was fined €250 and released on a three-year conditional discharge.

Claudia, who returned to Sardinia, is recovering but requires back surgery due to fractures from the fall. Investigators believe an awning helped cushion her landing, potentially saving her life.

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