A 21-year-old man will remain in custody for four weeks after sending over 36,000 messages to a woman he's accused of stalking. Oslo District Court ruled the detention necessary to protect the victim from further harassment.
The court described the volume of messages as "an extreme amount of violations." Many contained threats of violence and sexual assault against the woman.
Authorities say the suspect also sent sexualized images he created of the victim. He faces charges of serious stalking, threats, and violating a restraining order.
His defense attorney told media her client denied guilt during the custody hearing. She expressed concern about his mental health, saying he needs psychiatric care rather than prison.
The restraining order was issued in late July, but police say the man continuously violated it. Officers seized his phone and electronic devices multiple times, yet the harassment continued.
After a serious conversation with police on October 7, six new reports were filed for restraining order violations. The pattern suggests standard interventions have failed to stop his behavior.
A preliminary psychiatric assessment indicated the man may have been in a mental state affecting his grasp of reality. The court has now ordered a full psychiatric evaluation.
Judges acknowledged that psychiatric treatment might be preferable but concluded prison health services could adequately monitor his condition. They found no alternative measures would sufficiently reduce the repetition risk.
The man can be held in custody until November 29. The case highlights the challenges courts face when mental health issues drive criminal behavior.
This appears to be a situation where neither the justice system nor mental health services alone can provide a complete solution. The court must balance public safety with the defendant's need for treatment.