A 72-year-old man has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison by the Court in Esbjerg for raping a mentally retarded 12-year-old girl. The announcement was made by prosecutor Pernille Heiss of the Prosecution Service at South and Southern Jutland Police.

The man, who was a neighbor to the victim’s family, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of indecent exposure. The court determined that he exploited his mental and physical superiority and the girl’s mental disability.

The case began based on observations made by the 12-year-old’s younger sister, who shared her concerns with their mother, leading to a police investigation. The man has been in custody since August 2024.

The case was processed over four court days, during which the man pleaded not guilty. However, the court found the girl’s testimony credible and based the judgment on her account.

Following the sentencing, the convicted man immediately appealed to the High Court, seeking acquittal or a lighter sentence. The date for the High Court hearing is currently unknown.