Organizer claims no criminal responsibility after motorshow incident in Bjerke

The organizer of a motorshow in Bjerke, where five individuals were injured when a vehicle reversed into a spectator area in April 2022, claims he does not bear criminal responsibility for the incident. Defense attorney Patrick Lundevall-Unger is now representing the event’s organizer.

Following a trial in Oslo District Court, the organizer, Daniel Klaas, was sentenced to 60 days in prison for lacking adequate safety measures, while his son, Dean Klaas, received a 45-day prison sentence for negligent driving and violating traffic laws. Both have recently filed appeals.

In their appeal, Daniel Klaas’s lawyer asserts that the court misinterpreted the evidence presented and issued the wrong sentences. The defense argues that the organizer had engaged a Norwegian partner, Norwegian Cabriolet Import NUF, responsible for various tasks including securing appropriate locations, ensuring permits were in order, and maintaining safety during the event.

However, Stein Ødegaard, who owns and manages Norwegian Cabriolet Import, strongly rejects these claims, asserting that their role was merely logistical and did not include safety responsibilities. He emphasizes that the company was only involved in arranging locations and obtaining necessary permits.

The court’s decision, handed down in late August, faced delays as the police struggled to serve the judgment to the Klaas family, who reside in Germany. The lawyer has since reported that his client is deeply shocked by the verdict, highlighting his unfamiliarity with Norwegian laws and regulations.

The case presents an intriguing legal question regarding accountability and safety responsibilities in event management. The appeals court will now assess whether the case warrants further examination.