Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is set to be released from prison after being sentenced to four years for rape and other charges. The Oslo District Court has ruled that Høiby may serve the remainder of his sentence at home while wearing an electronic ankle monitor, according to Norwegian news outlet NRK.
Details of the Case
Høiby, 28, was originally charged with 40 criminal offenses, including four counts of rape. He was found guilty of two rape charges, along with multiple driving offenses, an aggravated drugs offense, breaking a restraining order, and threats and aggravated assault. He was sentenced on June 15 and moved to Ila Detention and Security Prison near Oslo.
While awaiting trial, Høiby had been held on remand at Oslo prison since February. His trial began in the district court shortly after his arrest.
Prosecution Appeals the Decision
The prosecution has appealed the release decision and requested a suspensive effect, meaning they believe Høiby should remain in prison until the Court of Appeal considers the appeal. The prosecution argues that there is a risk Høiby may commit new offenses. The case is not expected to be finalized until 2027 due to the appeal process.
Høiby's defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, argued that the risk of reoffending has been reduced and that an ankle monitor would further mitigate that risk. The monitor is part of a program called Risk, run by the police, which will track both Høiby and the woman known as the Frogner woman in his criminal case to reduce the likelihood of further offenses against her.
Høiby's Reaction
"Høiby is quite pleased with this. He asked to be released, and he's very happy with the outcome," Sekulic said. Høiby had previously requested release to see his ailing mother in the hospital, but that request was denied by the court.
Background and Family Context
The case has been a difficult time for the Norwegian Royal Family. Høiby's mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was named in the Epstein files and has been dealing with a worsening chronic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis. She recently underwent a lung transplant and was pictured with her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, watching Norway play in the World Cup from home.
In May, Høiby requested to be released to live at his stepfather's official residence, Skaugum, while wearing an ankle monitor, but that request was denied due to a high risk of reoffending.
