Man charged with murder had prior violence conviction

A man in his 30s charged with murdering a woman in Nærbø, Jæren, was previously convicted of violence against a former partner, according to reports by VG and Stavanger Aftenblad.

In 2019, he was sentenced to one year and two months in prison for assaulting an ex-girlfriend, including striking her with a knuckleduster and burning her face with a cigarette. He was also accused of aggravated domestic abuse against another woman in 2017 but was acquitted by the court of appeal the following year.

Police responded Sunday afternoon to a private residence after reports of a severely injured woman in her 30s. She was taken to hospital but declared dead Monday afternoon. A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene, initially charged with attempted murder and later with murder.

Prosecutor Fredrik Soma told Dagbladet that the victim’s injuries were central to the murder charge but declined to provide details. Police confirmed a relationship between the suspect and the victim but stated it was not familial. No evidence suggests others were present during the incident.

The suspect, represented by defence lawyer Arvid Sjødin, admits being at the scene but denies any violence. “He tells me no violence was committed at all,” Sjødin told VG.

The man is to appear in Sør-Rogaland District Court on Tuesday afternoon for a custody hearing.