The eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit (52) is still officially in custody. However, Marius Borg Høiby (29) currently doesn't have to spend his time behind bars, but is allowed to stay with his family at the Skaugum estate for several weeks. What conditions are attached to this?
Since when has Marius Borg Høiby been under house arrest?
An Oslo court decided last Monday that Høiby could spend four weeks at Skaugum with an electronic ankle monitor. On Tuesday, it was announced that the prosecution waived an appeal with further suspensive effect and that Høiby could leave prison. On Tuesday, he was then transferred to house arrest. The tabloid newspaper "Verdens Gang" spoke with Tor Erik Larsen, the chairman of the correctional service union, about what he is allowed to do at Skaugum.
In theory, he could throw a party
According to this, it depends on the court's decision whether Høiby is allowed to receive friends on site. In principle, it would be permitted. However, even if this is not allowed in this case, it would be difficult to control, Larsen explains. No one is standing guard in front of the estate. In theory, he could therefore even host a party, because the range of movement within the area where he is allowed to stay offers many freedoms. However, at a party he would not be allowed to drink alcohol. The consumption of intoxicants is completely prohibited for Høiby - regardless of whether they are legal or illegal substances. He is allowed to smoke and regular substance tests are conducted.
No restrictions on internet and mobile phone
In addition, Høiby has access to all electronic devices available to him at home. For example, he is allowed to use the internet and mobile phones. This means he could theoretically also order food from a delivery service and have the meals brought to him.
During his stay, Høiby could also pursue a job, which would of course have to be a legal activity, it is stated. As long as he is employed, he could go to work, but would then have to return by a specified time. According to this, he is not allowed to pursue self-employment.
In principle, Høiby would also be allowed to visit family members in the hospital or go for treatment. However, he must generally stay at home and freedom of movement is limited to a certain area around a base station. Presumably, he can therefore also visit parts of the garden on the estate. In addition, it is permitted to request permission that would allow him to go shopping, for example, on the way to a hospital visit or to work.
What happens next in the Høiby case?
That he will serve his entire sentence under house arrest from now on is not possible according to the current situation, it is explained. Mette-Marit's son has been in custody since February. The Oslo District Court sentenced him in June for, among other things, two violations, assault and mistreatment in a close relationship to four years in prison. He was acquitted of two other charges. Since Høiby has appealed parts of the verdict, it is not yet final.
Since the verdict was announced, he has been in prison in the municipality of Bærum. Høiby's defense attorneys had previously requested that he be allowed to serve his custody with an electronic ankle monitor at Skaugum, which the court initially rejected. The current step took place after a lung transplant for his mother Mette-Marit. She had publicly announced in 2018 that she was suffering from chronic pulmonary fibrosis. The transplant was performed because her health had significantly deteriorated recently. On Tuesday, the palace announced that the Crown Princess has now left the hospital.
