A Danish appeals court has strengthened the punishment for journalist Sisse Sejr-Nørgaard. The Eastern High Court changed her sentence from conditional to unconditional imprisonment for stalking and identity fraud. She must now serve 30 days in prison.
Sejr-Nørgaard admitted to harassing another woman over one month last summer. She discovered the woman had been messaging her husband, journalist Esben Bjerre. The TV host then submitted the victim's personal information in at least 81 online forms.
The victim received newsletters, booking confirmations, and phone calls. Restaurants, psychologists, and pest control services were contacted in her name. Beauty clinics received requests for dental corrections pretending to be from the victim.
The prosecutor had demanded at least three months unconditional prison. They argued the harassment was planned and the victim could not stop it. They also noted Sejr-Nørgaard previously hosted a documentary about identity theft.
Sejr-Nørgaard called her actions complete idiocy during the hearing. She apologized to the victim and cited family health issues at the time. Her defense emphasized her confession and good personal circumstances.
The court considered the standard penalty for stalking is 40 days unconditional prison. They reduced it due to her confession. The 30-day sentence will likely be served with an electronic ankle monitor.
The victim's lawyer sought 60,000 kroner in compensation. This matter will be handled separately in the Compensation Board.
This case shows how Danish courts treat stalking seriously, even when the perpetrator is a public figure. The upgrade from conditional to unconditional prison signals that personal crises don't excuse systematic harassment.