Sentence for arson attack at block of flats
Supreme Court judgment 18 March 2021, HR-2021-604-A, (case no. 20-180305STR-HRET), criminal case, appeal against judgment.
The Public Prosecution Authority (Counsel Leif Aleksandersen) v. A (Counsel Arild Christian Dyngeland)
Justices: Webster, Matheson, Ringnes, Arntzen, Steinsvik
A 28-year-old man was convicted of an arson attack at night against a block of 64 flats, see section 355 of the Penal Code. The fire was extinguished by the fire brigade, but it caused much damage and could easily have led to loss of lives. The Supreme Court imposed a sentence of three years and six months of imprisonment. There were several factors on the convicted person's part that might suggest suspension of execution on special grounds. Yet, no extraordinary factors were present to provide a basis for suspension on condition of the completion of a drug-treatment program under court control in case of violation of section 355 of the Penal Code. Final emphasis was placed on the nature and seriousness of the act of which he had been convicted.