A 42-year-old man testified in court about his relationship with a 14-year-old girl. He claimed they were in love and even tattooed her name on his chest in runic script after their relationship ended.
The man appeared emotional during his testimony at Kristiansand District Court. He faces charges of sexual abuse and exploitation of a position of trust against the teenage girl.
According to court proceedings, the man was 40 when they met through a chat service. He drove to Southern Norway to meet her in summer 2023.
Norwegian child protection laws strictly prohibit sexual relationships with minors under 16. The case highlights ongoing concerns about online grooming of vulnerable teenagers.
The man admitted guilt for most charges but denied exploiting a position of trust. He told the court, 'I never saw her as a child. I hoped for marriage and children.'
Police arrested the man at his hotel during the trial for violating a no-contact order. He allegedly called the victim's phone after the first court day concluded.
The girl's parents discovered the relationship last May. They became suspicious when their daughter claimed to be at a friend's house but was actually with the older man.
The father described setting up a sting operation. 'I called emergency services and said my 15-year-old daughter is coming here with her 40-year-old boyfriend,' he testified.
Prosecutors described the man as having deviant sexual behavior. They accused him of exploiting a vulnerable girl for sexual purposes.
The teenage victim has been diagnosed with PTSD following the relationship. Her father said she lives in constant fear and 'breaks down completely' when receiving any contact from the accused.
The case continues as prosecutors seek six years imprisonment and substantial compensation. This situation demonstrates how predators can manipulate vulnerable youth through online channels despite legal protections.