– My client was presented with the evidence the police believe they have against him, and he explained himself in detail. He denies criminal culpability, defender Marius Ihlebæk tells TV 2.
The District Court of Oslo, on the other hand, considers it probable that he raped a woman on the night of December 27 in an apartment in central Oslo where they were together to celebrate Christmas.
A longer audio recording
On Thursday he was held in pre-trial detention for four weeks with letters and visits monitored.
– Offended and accused are in a relationship. We believe the rape appears to be serious, says police lawyer Sonika Sharma-Sundheim in the Oslo Police District.
TRIAL MANAGER: Police lawyer Sonika Sharma-Sundheim won in the Oslo District Court. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB
It does not rule out that the charges could be extended.
The detention order states that the woman made an audio recording of the alleged rape.
“The court agrees with the prosecution that the audio file strengthens the grounds for suspicion and confirms the victim’s explanation,” writes the Oslo District Court.
The police advocate confirms to TV 2 that there is a longer audio recording, but won’t comment in more detail on what he hears.
Damaged eye
Defense attorney Ihlebæk believes the audio file has limited probative value.
– An audio recording does not describe what happens between the defendant and the alleged offended woman. The recording doesn’t change my client’s perception of the situation, she says.
MEET US HERE: Oslo District Court has remanded man accused of rape into custody for four weeks. Photo: Fraud Sunde / TV 2
Police would not comment on what the woman explained about the incident, and would not comment on what injuries she may have sustained.
In the district court’s ruling, however, it appears police presented a photo showing that he has blue eyes.
According to police, the victim was appointed Brit Kjelleberg as legal counsel. She does not wish to comment on the matter at this time.
