A Norwegian court has upheld a 21-year prison sentence for a man convicted of sexually abusing his stepdaughter. The appeals court confirmed the original verdict from last autumn. Court documents reveal the stepdaughter endured approximately 300 rapes over eight and a half years.
The abuse began when the girl had just turned eight years old. Her mother received a separate prison sentence of three years and ten months for physical abuse. Both parents will now serve time for their crimes against the child.
Norwegian courts typically impose lengthy sentences for severe child abuse cases. This case stands out due to the extreme duration and frequency of the assaults. The stepfather systematically abused his position of trust within the family.
How do courts determine appropriate sentences for such prolonged abuse? The Norwegian legal system considers both the severity and duration of crimes when sentencing. This case represents one of the most extensive abuse convictions in recent Norwegian legal history.
The Follo and Nordre Østfold District Court originally heard the case before it moved to Eidsivating Court of Appeal. Both courts agreed on the severity of the crimes and the appropriate punishment. The stepdaughter's ordeal finally ended with legal justice, though the psychological impact will likely last much longer.