Man acquitted of assault charges in Oslo after history of domestic violence

On Monday, a man was released from custody after being acquitted of charges related to the assault of his former girlfriend, with whom he shares several minor children. He had previously been convicted twice for violence and threats against her, with the latest sentence being one year in prison due to him striking her multiple times in the face and head while she was in her car.

In another incident, he was accused of choking her and hitting her in the head with his fist while she was lying on the couch. During a phone call from jail, he made threats to kill her, expressing violent intentions. There was a disturbing instance where he kicked in the bathroom door while she had locked herself in with their children, verbally attacking her in front of one of the kids.

Prosecutors sought a sentence of one year and two months in prison. His defense attorney questioned why mandatory psychiatric treatment was not considered. The victim, who had previously minimized her comments to protect him, decided to share that he had also subjected her to sexual violence during their relationship. The couple split a year ago, and she is now receiving therapy.

Despite the accusations, the defendant admitted to being “sickeningly jealous,” an attitude that reportedly escalated into violence, particularly when he saw her interacting with someone famous on social media. Experts have suggested he may have a persistent delusion regarding this individual and the victim, which could have driven years of abusive behavior.

After assessing the defendant’s mental health, the court concluded that he was mentally unstable during the events in question, leading to his acquittal of criminal charges but ordering him to pay 40,000 kroner in compensation to the victim and one of their children. Upon arriving at the airport, he was met by a significant police presence, and new restraining orders were issued against him. The prosecution is considering an appeal of the decision.