A Swedish appeals court has significantly increased the prison sentence for a man convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl. The Göta Court of Appeal in Jönköping raised the punishment from one and a half years to three and a half years imprisonment. The court also ordered the man to pay 250,000 Swedish kronor in damages to the victim.
The case involved a man in his thirties who met the girl at a dance venue earlier this year. He knew she was 14 years old from their first meeting. They later connected on social media, where their conversations turned sexual and included exchanging images.
They arranged to meet in person, and the man brought alcohol to their encounter. The victim sought medical care at a youth clinic the following day and received emergency contraception. The man admitted they met on another occasion and had vaginal intercourse during that meeting.
The original court had acknowledged the man knew the girl's age and that they had sex on two occasions during the summer. However, that court reasoned the girl was close to the age of sexual consent and had participated voluntarily. This led to the initial lighter sentence for child sexual exploitation.
The appeals court took a different view of the evidence. Judges determined this was not a lasting romantic relationship but rather involved manipulation. The girl had disclosed previous sexual abuse to the man, and he reportedly shared that he had also experienced childhood abuse.
The court found he had manipulated her into having sex with him. This manipulation factor contributed to the increased sentence for child rape under Swedish law. The case highlights how Swedish courts assess consent and manipulation in sexual cases involving minors.
Sweden's age of consent is 15 years, making any sexual activity with someone younger automatically illegal. The legal system treats such cases seriously, especially when involving significant age differences and manipulation tactics.
This ruling demonstrates how appellate courts can reassess evidence and apply different legal interpretations. The substantial sentence increase sends a clear message about the seriousness of sexual crimes against children in Sweden. The case also shows how digital communication and social media play increasing roles in how predators identify and groom potential victims.
Legal experts note that Swedish courts have been strengthening their approach to sexual crimes in recent years. This aligns with broader societal demands for stronger protections for children and tougher consequences for sexual offenders. The appeals court's decision reflects this evolving legal landscape.
The case will likely influence how future similar cases are prosecuted and judged throughout Sweden. It establishes important precedent regarding how courts should evaluate manipulation and consent in sexual cases involving minors.