A 57-year-old man has confessed to the 1999 rape and attempted murder of an 11-year-old girl on a beach. The confession occurred during a court hearing where he also admitted to possessing a shotgun and an air rifle last year.

The man, who used a crutch and has a long grey beard, admitted to the crimes at the Court in Nykøbing Falster. His lawyer confirmed his client’s guilty plea to all charges.

The accused, a local resident, allegedly threatened the girl with a pistol-like object on Bøtø beach, where she was with her mother and brother. He then led her into a wooded area.

In court, the man stated he used a lighter resembling a pistol to coerce the girl. He admitted his intention was to have sex with her, despite her unwillingness. The prosecutor clarified his actions as rape.

Following the rape, the man attempted to strangle the girl to prevent her from reporting the crime, ceasing only when he believed she was dead. He then left her body.

The case remained unsolved until his arrest in December of last year. Initially, the man pleaded not guilty, claiming he couldn’t remember the incident. However, he later began to recall the events.

Authorities charged the man with the offenses in June and anticipated his confession. The judge determined that the case could proceed as a confession case based on his unconditional admission of guilt.