A Norwegian man faces serious charges in Kristiansand District Court for allegedly pouring glue over a sleeping child on multiple occasions. The defendant, in his thirties, has denied criminal responsibility as the three-day trial begins.
The man stands accused of grievous bodily harm against his former partner's son, who was under five years old at the time. Prosecutors allege he poured glue over the child while he slept on two separate occasions one month apart.
Defense attorney Ole Joakim Devold stated his client denies guilt for the charges brought against him. Prosecutor Vanja Bruvoll described the case as difficult for all parties involved after presenting her opening statement in court.
The first incident allegedly occurred on December 13, 2023. Court documents describe how the child's left eyelid became glued shut along nearly its entire length. Medical professionals needed to administer anesthesia to separate the eyelid. Glue residue remained in the child's eyelashes, and the action caused severe pain.
Exactly one month later, the man allegedly repeated the act. This time, he reportedly poured glue over the child's head and upper body while he slept. The child developed sores and pain, requiring hair removal from his scalp. The man also allegedly poured glue into the child's shoes and hat beforehand.
Grievous bodily harm carries a maximum penalty of six years imprisonment in Norway. The prosecution argues the acts were committed against a defenseless person and resulted in severe pain and injuries.
The case highlights Norway's strict approach to child protection cases. Norwegian courts typically handle such matters with particular seriousness, especially when involving very young children. The Norwegian legal system emphasizes child welfare in criminal proceedings, with specialized procedures for cases involving minors.
International readers should understand that Norway's child protection services are among the most comprehensive globally. The country has strong legal frameworks designed to protect children from harm, with serious consequences for violations. Cases involving alleged harm to children typically receive significant attention from both prosecutors and the court system.
The trial continues with both the accused and the child's parents scheduled to provide testimony. The court will examine evidence collectively to understand the complete picture of what occurred. The outcome will depend on whether prosecutors can prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
Child abuse cases in Norway often result in substantial sentences when convictions occur. The court must balance the seriousness of the allegations against the principle of presumed innocence until proven guilty. This case represents another test of Norway's commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens from harm.