Axe assault suspects cleared of attempted murder

The two suspects in the axe assault case were on Friday acquitted of the attempted murder charges. Both were, however, found guilty of extreme violence and recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.

The jury announced the verdict on Friday night, having spent most of the day deliberating.

On 6 May last year, a young man was attacked in Tórshavn by assailants using an axe. Two suspects, males aged 22 and 24, are on trial accused of attempted murder and other charges relating to violence and illegal drugs.

The 22-year-old, who used an axe during the incident, was sentenced to placement in a mental institution for an unspecified period. The suspect had requested this penalty himself, and he accepted it.

The 24-year-old was sentenced to four years in prison. He and his lawyer requested a two-week period to evaluate the sentence.

Both defendants and their defence lawyers were pleased that they were acquitted of the attempted murder charges presented by the prosecution.

Friday turned out to be a long day in court. It started at 9am with the judge informing the 12 jury members of their duties.

There were a number of charges for the jury to deliberate, the main one being the attempted murder charges. Others related to illegal drugs and various incidences of violence during and before the event in question.

Jury deliberation began at 10:30am, and at 7pm a verdict was reached. Sentence was passed just before 11pm.

Translated by prosa.fo.