A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for the murder and rape of a 13-year-old girl in Hjallerup. The verdict was delivered in the Court of Hjørring on Friday at 1:00 PM.

The jury found the man guilty of murder, rape, and indecent treatment of a corpse, as well as assault and robbery, and sexual relations other than intercourse with a 14-year-old girl in 2022. He was acquitted of a charge of raping a 15-year-old girl. The Medico-Legal Council had recommended indefinite detention to prevent future crimes.

The defendant, who was 17 at the time of the crime, claimed “something snapped” out of frustration that the girl had ended their relationship on the way home from a youth club.

He admitted to manslaughter but denied rape. However, the court emphasized that semen and DNA traces were found on the girl, linking the defendant to the crime. The victim was found lifeless and fatally injured behind a heating plant in Hjallerup, wearing only a bra, top, and socks.

A minority of the jury voted for indefinite detention, but the majority favored a fixed-term sentence, considering the defendant’s age and lack of prior convictions. The presiding judge noted the particular ruthlessness of the crime.

Defense attorney Mette Grith Stage stated that her client is “relieved” with the fixed-term sentence, providing “a light at the end of the tunnel.” She is considering whether to appeal the judgment.

Special Prosecutor Mette Bendix will review the judgment principles and recommend to the Director of Public Prosecutions whether to appeal the judgment to the High Court.