On Thursday, the 39-year-old man was acquitted of all charges of numerous rapes, mistreatment and serious violence against a woman in the period from November 2022 to January 2023.
The man himself explained in court that the violent sequence of events contained in the indictment was true enough.
But he denied that it was violence and rape. On the other hand, it was SM sex, which he and the woman had experimented with – and with consent all along.
Sufficient doubt
Most of the trial, which began in late September, has been held behind closed doors. This applies to the part where the woman’s explanation has been shown to the court.
It is therefore not possible to reproduce what the woman has explained to the court to the contrary.
But the Court in Hjørring found that there were several things that supported the 39-year-old’s explanation, and that there was therefore sufficient doubt that he should be acquitted, says prosecutor Mette Bendix.
Possibility of appeal
The 39-year-old could therefore leave the court as a free man.
However, he was fined DKK 4,000 for two matters involving possession of amphetamine and doping.
But it is a far cry from the more than seven years in prison that the prosecution had suggested the sentence should be.
Therefore, the judgment must now be read through before a decision is made as to whether the prosecution will possibly appeal it, says Mette Bendix.
It is the State Attorney who makes that decision.
2024-10-31 14:17:00
#accused #sexual #abuse #acquitted
**Interview with Legal Expert Dr. Sarah Jensen on Recent Acquittal Case**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Jensen. Thank you for joining us. We want to discuss the recent acquittal of a 39-year-old man on charges of multiple rapes, mistreatment, and serious violence against a woman. What are your initial thoughts on this case?
**Dr. Jensen:** Thank you for having me. It’s a complex situation. The acquittal highlights the challenges that exist in proving such serious allegations in court. It’s important to remember that in legal terms, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.
**Editor:** Many people are concerned about the implications of this verdict. What might this mean for victims of similar crimes?
**Dr. Jensen:** Victims may feel discouraged when they see high-profile cases resulting in acquittals. It can perpetuate a fear of coming forward. However, I would encourage potential victims to understand that each case is unique, and the legal system, despite its flaws, can still provide support and justice in other situations.
**Editor:** What were some key factors that may have contributed to this acquittal?
**Dr. Jensen:** Without knowing the specifics of the case, I can say that acquittals often stem from issues like insufficient evidence, credibility of the witnesses, or the presence of a strong defense. In many cases, the emotional and psychological turmoil associated with sexual violence can complicate testimonies.
**Editor:** How can the legal system improve in handling such sensitive cases?
**Dr. Jensen:** There are many avenues for improvement. One approach is better training for law enforcement and legal professionals on trauma-informed practices. Additionally, increasing access to legal support and resources for victims can empower them to navigate the system more effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Jensen. Your expertise shed light on this complex issue.
**Dr. Jensen:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to have these discussions in order to support victims and work towards a more effective legal response.