Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of multiple offences, including two counts of rape. The Oslo district court also imposed a two-year restraining order against one of his alleged victims.
Verdict Delivered After High-Profile Trial
The verdict was handed down on Monday morning, nearly three months after Høiby's closely watched six-week trial. Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad convicted him of assaulting his former girlfriend, Nora Haukland, the only alleged victim publicly named. Høiby was acquitted of two other rape charges.
Details of the Charges
Among the 40 offences Høiby was charged with were four rapes and assaults, several breaches of restraining orders, drug and driving offences. One charge, violation of a restraining order, was overturned. Høiby, 29, pleaded not guilty to the most severe accusations, including rape, while admitting to some lesser ones. He can appeal the verdict.
Royal Family Under Strain
The trial came at a challenging time for the Norwegian royal family, as Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces severe illness and awaits a lung transplant. She is also under scrutiny over her relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Last week, the Oslo district court agreed to release Høiby from custody to spend time with his mother, but the court of appeal rejected the request.
Public Attention
The trial drew significant attention domestically and abroad. Before Monday's hearing, journalists queued outside the court before it opened at 7.30am.
