Norwegian Royal Son Marius Borg Høiby: Prosecutors Demand Over Seven Years Jail Term in Landmark Trial

Prosecutors in Norway have requested a jail term of seven years and seven months for Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, as his high-profile trial for serious charges including rape and assault nears its conclusion in Oslo.

Prosecution Seeks Significant Jail Term for 39 Charges

State prosecutors concluded their case on Wednesday, arguing that Marius Borg Høiby, 29, should be found guilty of 39 out of the 40 charges he faces. The recommended sentence reflects the gravity of the accusations, which include four counts of rape and serious assault.

The trial, which commenced in early February, is scheduled to conclude this week. Following the defence's summing-up, the three judges overseeing the case will retire to deliberate and deliver their verdicts.

Defendant Denies Most Serious Charges

Høiby, who was present in court on Wednesday, continues to deny the most serious charges, specifically the four counts of rape and serious assault. He maintains that any sexual encounters with the four women were consensual and occurred prior to the alleged rapes.

However, the defendant has pleaded guilty to a number of lesser offences. These include a drugs charge involving the transportation of 3.5kg of marijuana, various traffic offences, and breaching a restraining order. He has also partially admitted to seriously assaulting a woman in her flat, but denies charges of criminal abuse related to his ex-girlfriend, Nora Haukland.

Olley News Insight: The Royal Connection

Marius Borg Høiby was born before his mother, Mette-Marit, married Norway's Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. Though he grew up within the royal family, he is not a formal member. His trial has drawn immense media scrutiny, with Høiby himself lamenting the pressure and how he felt he had become "an object of hatred." The trial also follows a period when Crown Princess Mette-Marit faced public scrutiny over past contacts with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Prosecutor Rejects "Monster" Label, Highlights Severity of Offences

In his summing-up, State Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø stated that Høiby was "not a monster" and should be judged solely on his actions. Henriksbø, along with police attorney Andreas Kruszewski, recommended specific jail terms for the rape charges: two years for three of the counts and three years for a fourth.

A significant element of the trial has been the police discovery of videos taken of the women at the time of three alleged rapes, for which Høiby is accused of filming without consent. The prosecutor emphasised that prior consensual sex was irrelevant to the charges, and underscored the lasting damage caused by such crimes, stating, "Rape can leave lasting scars and destroy lives."

Lesser Offences and Potential Sentencing Outcomes

While the defence lawyers have vehemently denied the most serious charges, legal commentators suggest that Høiby is likely to receive a reduced sentence for the offences he has admitted to. The drugs charge alone, involving 3.5kg of marijuana, could carry a sentence of 11 months in jail.

Other admitted offences include reckless driving and driving without a valid licence. The seven-week trial at Oslo district court has consistently made front-page news across Norway, reflecting the high public and media interest in the case.

Key Takeaways

  • Prosecutors have requested a jail term of seven years and seven months for Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
  • Høiby is accused of 40 charges, including four counts of rape and serious assault, denying the most serious.
  • He has pleaded guilty to lesser offences including a drugs charge, traffic violations, and breaching a restraining order.
  • The trial in Oslo District Court is concluding this week, with judges set to deliberate.
  • State Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø stated Høiby should be judged on his actions, not as a "monster."
  • Video evidence and the condition of alleged victims are key elements in the rape charges.
  • Commentators anticipate a reduced sentence for admitted offences, even if found not guilty of the most serious charges.