The man in his 20s in Tromsø has been found guilty of having abused 13 children, and of having exploited a Ukrainian refugee to obtain sexual intercourse. Medical experts have been present throughout the trial to make an assessment of the man along the way. The question in the new court round that started on Thursday is the actual sentencing, and whether the man should be sentenced to prison or detention. The experts have concluded that there is a moderate to high risk that the man will commit new sexual assaults. Prosecutor Trude Kvanli nevertheless believes that it is not appropriate for the man to be sentenced to detention. She filed a claim for a fixed-term sentence of imprisonment for nine years and six months. – It is a long prison sentence, but it is on the basis of the seriousness of the case. The medical experts, Knut Waterloo and Ketil Røtvold, presented their report on Thursday. They conclude that there is a moderate to high risk of recurrence. Photo: Jørn Inge Johansen / news Youngest victim 12 years The man has been found guilty of raping several girls under 14 years, and for having sexual intercourse with girls between 14 and 16 years. The youngest victim was 12 years old when the abuse took place. The assaults are said to have taken place between October 2016 and March 2022. During the trial, it was revealed that the man has gained contact with the victims via social media, before he has met them physically. Assistance lawyer for some of the girls, Erik Ringberg, says several of the girls have suffered a lot in the aftermath of the abuse. – Research shows that children who are exposed to abuse of this nature have a high probability of getting major ailments afterwards. The man is also convicted of having exploited a minor Ukrainian refugee to obtain sexual intercourse. The incident is said to have taken place in March, and the girl had recently arrived in Norway. When the accused man explained himself in the district court, he pleaded guilty to most of the abuse against the children. However, he did not plead guilty to exploiting the Ukrainian woman. Considering himself the victim During the very first day of trial, it emerged that the man is slightly mentally retarded. Nevertheless, he is considered criminally sane. The medical experts pointed out in court on Thursday that the accused does not seem to have an understanding of what the girls have been exposed to, and that he himself is the victim, not the girls. There are three factors in particular that lead the experts to conclude that there is a moderate to high risk of recurrence: previous offenses committed by the man, his attitude to offenses and his understanding of the offenses. Psychiatrist Ketil Røtvold also said that the accused is immature for his age and that he has reduced cognitive abilities. However, the experts have in their report concluded that pedophilia diagnosis is not present. Temporary punishment Prosecutor in the case, Trude Kvanli, said in court that the prosecuting authority in doubt has concluded that a custodial sentence is not the appropriate punishment in this case. – A fixed-term sentence is sufficient and will provide the necessary correction of the accused. It has been assessed here that the need for social protection is not present, she said in court on Thursday. Part of the assessment is based on the fact that the day the accused is released after serving a long sentence, he will not be in a position to achieve contact with such young girls, according to Kvanli. – It is an overall assessment in terms of his maturity and his ability to take in what has been done. When he is released, he will not be in a position to achieve such contact with young girls. Prosecutor Trude Kvanli said in court that the accused has throughout the case made statements that show a complete lack of empathy. She is asking for nine years and six months in prison. Photo: Jørn Inge Johansen / news
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Man in his 20s charged with sexual abuse of children – prosecutor wants nine years and six months in prison – news Troms and Finnmark
