Prison service flags possible sentence reduction for Katja Nyberg

The Swedish Prison and Probation Service has told a court that former Sweden Democrats MP Katja Nyberg could qualify for a reduced sentence if convicted, as she has already lost her police job over the allegations.

Nyberg, now an independent in the Riksdag, faces trial in Nacka District Court on 21 September for aggravated unlicensed driving, drink-driving, minor drug use, and drug possession. The charges stem from a traffic accident during the Christmas period when police suspected she was under the influence.

A probation report filed with the court notes Nyberg has no debts with the Swedish Enforcement Authority and has a prior entry in the criminal record for a speeding offence. She denies having a substance abuse problem despite forensic evidence of ecstasy and amphetamine in her hair and cocaine and a snorting tube found at the scene.

The Prison and Probation Service states that “equitable grounds” for a lighter penalty exist because Nyberg was dismissed by the police authority due to the suspicions. Her lawyer, Martin Orler, said such reductions are common when a conviction costs someone their job, adding that Nyberg had already lost many assignments before formal charges were laid.

Nyberg has denied the drink-driving and drug offences but admitted to aggravated unlicensed driving. She has consented to possible probation supervision and told authorities that irregular working hours and travel make community service difficult.