Confessed Child Murderer Appeals Term

Originally published in Aftenposten (Norway), February 25, 2002

Jan Helge Andersen, one of two young men convicted of raping and murdering two little girls in Kristiansand, has decided to appeal his 19-year prison term. His attorney said Andersen thinks it's too harsh.

Andersen was first sentenced to 17 years in prison by a city court in Kristiansand. He appealed, but a higher court raised his term to 19 years.

He thus has appealed again, to Norway's Supreme Court, in the hopes of getting a lighter sentence. His attorney argues that 12 to 13 years in prison should be sufficient.

"We maintain that (Andersen's) confession and his contribution towards clearing up the case haven't been given enough consideration," attorney Ben Fegran told wire service NTB.

Andersen's accomplice in the killings in May 2000, Viggo Kristiansen, was considered the ringleader of the two and was sentenced to 21 years in custody. Kristiansen hasn't yet decided whether he will appeal.

Ada Sofie Austegard, mother of one of the victims, said the appeal was expected but nonetheless tough to take. "It seems like we're never going to be finished with this case," she said.