Marius Borg Høiby was attacked by an intruder at Skaugum, the royal estate where he is serving house arrest near the home of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The 29-year-old, who is appealing serious convictions handed down in June, was at his residence on Friday night when an unknown man allegedly forced his way inside. According to Hello Magazine, the intruder arrived shortly after midnight, banged and kicked the door, then entered the property before a confrontation took place.
Marius Borg Høiby Calls Police After Confrontation
The man allegedly pushed Marius during the incident, before Marius forced him back outside and called police. Officers reportedly arrived within a minute and a half. A criminal case was later opened on suspicion of assault and unlawful entry. "It's a place where one should feel safe, and given Marius's current situation, it's easy to understand why he experienced it as very unpleasant and unsafe," said defence attorney Alexander Greaker according to Hello Magazine. The home sits only a few hundred metres from the main royal house, adding to the gravity of the security breach.
Court Keeps House Arrest in Place Until November 30
The break-in comes while Marius remains under strict detention measures at Skaugum. Earlier this month, his lawyer asked for house arrest to be lifted, and Oslo District Court initially agreed. Prosecutors then appealed, and the Court of Appeal kept the order in place, citing a risk of reoffending. Police have since tightened controls at the estate through November 30, when the current extension of his pre-trial detention is due to end. He has spent 39 weeks in custody so far, including 16 with an electronic ankle bracelet.
Alcohol Breach Weighed in Appeal Decision
One factor in the court’s ruling was an alleged breach of detention rules. During an earlier period in custody, Marius was said to have consumed alcohol despite a ban. He reportedly argued that a positive result came from mouthwash and fermented apple juice, but the court found that explanation unconvincing. That assessment became part of the wider case for keeping restrictions in place. The legal pressure around the royal relative has remained intense as judges continue to weigh both detention conditions and the timetable for his appeal.
Appeal Case Moves Toward New Trial Next Year
Marius is still contesting the most serious parts of his conviction, including rape and abuse in close relationships. In September, the Court of Appeal accepted his full appeal, clearing the way for a retrial that is expected next year. The court will also decide on November 30 whether he can be released from detention and have the ankle bracelet removed. He was last seen in public after receiving special permission to attend funeral events for his late step-grandfather, King Harald, including the state ceremony in Oslo.
