Truls Henrik Johansen disappeared into the sea at Øksnes in Vesterålen

One night in June of the summer of 2018, the defendant, 37, was in a boat with the 23-year-old.

Both are said to have ended up in the water at Tindsøya in Vesterålen. The defendant must have returned to the ship.

Truls Henrik Johansen, 23, has never been found. In the same year, the active search was ended.

In Vesterålen District Court today, the prosecutor filed a demand for one year and four months imprisonment for the man. He is accused of having left Johansen in a defenseless state.

Prosecutor Kai-Rønning Nyvold claims that the defendant did not report what happened. The defendant denies criminal guilt for this.

– It is completely incomprehensible that three hours can pass since an incident of this type occurred, until the accused actually notifies it. It happens because it goes to the lifeboat. Otherwise, it might have taken longer before the search could begin, Nyvold tells NRK.

– Not credible

The defendant has explained himself in court at night. Among other things, he has said that he took alcohol and prescription tablets.

This must have led to a “blackout”. The 37-year-old has also explained that he tried to call for help, but that the mobile phone “turns off.”

Prosecutor Kai-Rønning Nyvold said in court that the explanation is not credible and claims that the defendant was not intoxicated.

– The accused has given various explanations. It is an explanation that seems learned.

– The defendant explains that the missing person quickly disappeared at sea. Would it make a difference if I warned faster?

– If the defendant had contacted the emergency number immediately, the lifeboat would have been there in 15 minutes. So actually, Truls could have been saved.

Assistant Attorney Mona Annie Ovesen also reacts to the defendant’s explanation. He asked for reparation for the family.

– The defendant has done nothing to help, he said in court Wednesday.

Denies criminal guilt

Defense attorney John Christian Elden said in his final proceedings that the defendant should be acquitted for failing to help Johansen.

The fire indicated that the phone ran out of power and the defendant was therefore unable to call for help.

Also, the man is said to have tried to escape the 23-year-old who ended up in the water. Then he must have had a freezing cold and known signs of hypothermia.

– He tried to do what he could do according to his ability and what to expect.

– I think there can be no basis to say that the accused has not fulfilled his duty to help without putting himself in danger. It would have been an accident with two deaths, Elden adds.

The man is charged with various charges. Nor does he plead guilty to driving a boat while intoxicated.

However, the defendant admits criminal guilt for having stored drugs after the accusation, and for having had a weapon in a public place.

Therefore, the defender asked to be considered in the softest way.