The 128-page verdict by the Oslo District Court against Marius Borg Høiby (29) was unanimous: The eldest son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit (52) was sentenced Monday morning to four years in prison for, among other things, two counts of assault and abuse in close relationships. However, the verdict is not yet legally binding, as Høiby could still appeal.
Two weeks' time
As reported by "Dagbladet", among others, defense attorney Petar Sekulic stated that the verdict will now be carefully reviewed, but it cannot be ruled out that an appeal will be filed. "We have not yet spoken with our client, but we will do so shortly. It is in the nature of things that an appeal will be filed, but we will discuss this with our client. We must have the opportunity to read the verdict thoroughly. So far, we have received the result and a brief explanation of some points." Defense attorney Ellen Holager Andenæs also stated that they were pleased with the acquittal on some of the charges. "We agree with parts of the verdict, but are rather critical of other parts. We still need to review that. We will now speak with him."
According to "VG", the parties have two weeks to review the verdict and decide whether to accept it or file an appeal.
Marius Borg Høiby was not present for the announcement of the verdict, reportedly for "medical reasons". He followed it from prison. His defense attorneys, meanwhile, announced that they will once again request his release from custody. Høiby had already filed such a request a few days ago, which was rejected by the appeals court. He has been in pre-trial detention since February.
He didn't just receive a prison sentence
Høiby was convicted of two of the four assaults he was charged with: the assault at a party in the basement lounge of Skaugum a few years ago and the assault of a woman on Oslo's west side on Palm Sunday 2024. "In all assault cases, the court must determine that it has been proven that the victim was unable to resist the act. Sleep and severe intoxication are typical examples", read Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad. In addition, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon (52) was convicted of abuse in close relationships against his ex-girlfriend Nora Haukland (29).
Høiby was acquitted, however, of the charge of assaulting a hotel employee and another woman in the Lofoten Islands, as well as two cases of violating a restraining order. The 29-year-old was ordered to pay damages to several women. In total, he must pay 640,000 kroner (approximately 58,000 euros). He was also sentenced to, among other things, a driver's license suspension for one year and eight months.
