Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison by the Oslo district court after being found guilty of 34 offences, including two counts of rape, serious bodily harm, domestic abuse, and threats. The verdict was delivered on Monday following a six-week trial that has captivated the nation.
Høiby was convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend Nora Haukland, the only victim publicly named, and ordered to pay a total of 640,000 kroner (about £50,000) in compensation to her and three other women. He also received a two-year restraining order against one victim. The court acquitted him of two rape charges and two counts of violating restraining orders.
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of seven years and seven months, while Høiby's defence argued for no more than 18 months for the lesser offences he admitted. The judge, Jon Sverdrup Efjestad, stated: 'Rape is a serious violation of integrity, and the punishment must reflect this.' Høiby, who pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges, has indicated he will appeal.
The case has drawn attention to issues of consent and domestic violence in Norway, and has placed additional strain on the royal family, which is already dealing with the Crown Princess's serious lung condition. Høiby attended the sentencing via video link from Ila prison, where he has been held since before the trial began.
Lawyers for one victim expressed relief at the verdict, saying the court had made a 'thorough and well-reasoned assessment'. They added: 'She now hopes this marks the final conclusion and that Høiby will receive the help he needs so that this does not happen to anyone else.'
