Marius Borg Høiby sentenced to four years in prison

Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, has been sentenced to four years in prison.

He was convicted on all counts, except for two counts of rape. The verdict is unanimous. Public Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø had asked for a prison sentence of seven years and seven months.  

Both Marius Borg Høiby and the prosecution can appeal, and so the verdict is not final.

Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad read out the verdict first, before continuing to read selected parts of the reasoning.

Marius Borg Høib was being prosecuted for 38 offences, including four rapes, abuse in close relationships, sexually offensive behaviour, and serious drug offences.

At the time of his indictment, State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø said, “This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives.” He added, “The fact that Marius Borg Høiby is part of the royal family should, of course, not mean that he is treated more leniently or strictly than if similar acts were committed by others.”