Defense lawyer in the case of Liam: "My client is a victim of crime himself"

Eight young offenders are charged with involvement in a series of juvenile robberies in Stockholm. One of the 16-year-old perpetrators, who participated in the brutal robbery of 18-year-old Liam who was beaten and urinated on, returns in a series of robbery cases that are part of the big case.

"He has acknowledged his actions in the Liam case and is remorseful for what he has done," said Kristofer Stahre, defense attorney.

For many, it is difficult to understand how a 16-year-old youngster may want to expose other people to this type of violent and humiliating crime. According to Kristofer Stahre, the explanation for the crimes lies in the fact that the 16-year-old was "more or less forced" to carry out the crimes on behalf of older criminals.

- My client was involved in drug sales as a 15-year-old. Subsequently, the criminal clients have wanted him to commit more serious types of crime.

Stahre says that the 16-year-old sometimes refused to carry out criminal acts on behalf of his clients.

In the district court, the defense lawyer was able to present, among other things, a video that was shown to show how the 16-year-old himself was subjected to abuse and humiliation when he was forced to kiss his clients' feet.

- It does not excuse what he exposed others to, but it may be part of the explanation for why it happened, says Kristofer Stahre.

According to the defense lawyer, the 16-year-old now wants to leave the crime, a decision that is supported by the teen's father.