A 33-year-old Cretan man accused of repeatedly raping and beating his 6-year-old son has admitted to these crimes and has blamed his behavior on a drinking problem, police in Iraklion said on Saturday.

The man was taken in by police on Friday after his mother took the child to the hospital to receive treatment for injuries allegedly sustained from physical abuse. The boy had a broken nose, heavy bruising and bore signs that he had been repeatedly raped, doctors said.

The 33-year-old was charged with systematic rape, grievous bodily harm and inflicting psychological injuries on a minor. He is to defend himself before an investigating magistrate today. His 67-year-old mother, who lived with him and the child, has been charged with bearing false witness and harboring a criminal.