Two men face trial over alleged assault, arson and robbery

Two men have denied charges of aggravated assault, attempted arson, making threats and robbery in a case being heard by a jury at the Court of the Faroe Islands. KVF reports that the trial began on Monday and is scheduled to run throughout the week.

The men, aged 53 and 37, are accused of repeatedly punching and kicking a resident of a house in Tórshavn on the early evening of February 18. The indictment says they stole beer and cider, medicine, cash and bank cards. The resident was struck and kicked in the head and face, and one defendant allegedly threatened to kill him if he told police.

The defendants are also accused of setting fire to a bed and a sweater. The fire was put out before it spread, but smoke from it was toxic, according to the indictment.

Both men have been held in custody since February 19. The prosecution’s request for a jury trial means the sentence sought must be at least four years in prison.