A Norwegian member of parliament has been sentenced to 24 days in jail after admitting to a serious drunk driving offense that occurred during the Easter holiday period last year.
Morten Wold, a representative of the Progress Party, pleaded guilty in court this week and accepted responsibility for the incident, which led to his arrest on a major highway west of Oslo.
Arrest Followed Reckless Driving Incident
The case stems from an episode on the E18 motorway in Bærum, where police stopped Wold after reports of dangerous driving. Authorities determined that he was operating a vehicle while heavily intoxicated.
Tests revealed a blood-alcohol concentration of 2.06 promille, significantly exceeding Norway’s legal limit of 0.2. The country enforces some of Europe’s strictest drunk driving regulations, particularly in cases involving extremely high alcohol levels.
Court Imposes Fine and Driving Ban
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered Wold to pay a fine of NOK 150,000, equivalent to roughly $15,800.
The ruling also stripped him of his driver’s license for two years and three months, preventing him from legally driving during that period.
Under Norwegian law, offenses involving such elevated blood-alcohol levels typically result in mandatory prison sentences, and the court made no exception in this case.
Political Career Impacted by the Case
Although Wold returned to parliament after his arrest, the scandal prompted him to step down from his role as one of the legislature’s vice-presidents.
The incident drew public attention due to his senior position within Norway’s political system and renewed discussion about accountability for elected officials.
Wold Expresses Regret After Sentencing
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse in Hokksund following the verdict, Wold said he was relieved that the legal proceedings had come to an end.
He acknowledged that he had made a serious mistake and said he now intends to move forward and regain public trust.
Wold described the offense as a poor decision made during the Easter period and said he must accept the consequences of his actions.
Party Leader Supports Rehabilitation Efforts
Progress Party leader Sylvi Listhaug welcomed Wold’s openness regarding his struggles with alcohol and noted that he is receiving professional assistance.
She expressed support for his efforts to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and taking responsibility following the conviction.
The case has attracted national attention in Norway, where public officials are generally expected to adhere to high standards of personal conduct both in and outside public office.
