Prosecutors seek prison for Ingebrigtsen Sr over alleged abuse of Olympic champ

Norwegian prosecutors on Tuesday called for a 2.5-year prison sentence for Gjert Ingebrigtsen, father of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, for allegedly physically abusing his son and daughter, media said.

Gjert Ingebrigtsen, 59, who used to coach some of his children, is accused of physical and psychological violence against Jakob, 24, and his sister Ingrid, 18, over a total period of 14 years, from 2008 to 2022.

He denies the charges against him.

The trial, which began in March, is scheduled to wrap up on May 15.

The prosecution on Tuesday told the court it believed the charges against Ingebrigtsen warranted a combined sentence of two and half years in prison, broadcaster NRK reported.

"It is one of Jacob's closest carers who has exercised violence against him. Violated him and threatened him," prosecutor Angjerd Kvernenes told the court, according to NRK.

Heidi Reisvang, one of Gjert Ingebrigtsen's lawyers, told newspaper VG that they will argue for an acquittal when they present their final arguments.

"We believe that the sentencing request that was made in this case is far too high, given the severity of the case," Reisvang told the newspaper.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen, and two of his brothers, Henrik and Filip, who are also athletes, shocked Norway in October 2023 when they accused their father of using "physical violence" and "threats" as part of their upbringing.

In 2022 the brothers cut ties with their father.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is the most successful of the three, winning gold in the world championships over 5,000m in 2022 and 2023, and claiming the 1,500m and 3,000m titles in Nanjing to secure a rare world indoor double right before the opening of his father's trial.

After pocketing the Olympic gold in the 1,500m in Tokyo in 2021, he also won the 5,000m title at last summer's Paris Games.