Danish actor Robert Hansen is facing the bleak prospect of spending the Christmas period behind bars as his legal troubles escalate following multiple assault charges. On December 22, 2023, Hansen, well-known for his roles on television, was remanded again by the Copenhagen City Court until January 15, 2024, much to the chagrin of his defense attorney, Erbil Kaya, who called the situation "unfortunate and unnecessary."
This remand decision follows Hansen’s previous release on December 19, just days after he was initially arrested on December 4. The court had originally found insufficient grounds for his detention, determining only reasonable suspicion of ordinary assault— not aggravated assault. This change came after the prosecution appealed the earlier ruling, leading to Hansen's renewed incarceration.
Hansen is charged with three counts of assault against a woman, with incidents allegedly occurring at his Frederiksberg apartment on November 26, December 2, and December 4. The specific allegations include claims of physical violence, where Hansen is accused of hitting the victim and using her hair to throw her to the ground, among other acts of aggression.
Erbil Kaya, Hansen’s lawyer, has been vocal about the broader issues concerning remand practices within the Danish judicial system. He noted the astounding rate of pre-trial detention, which he argued is disproportionately high compared to other European nations, with figures showing 32% of inmates are on remand. Kaya described the situation as "grotesque," emphasizing the need for reform and questioning why neighboring countries like Sweden and Norway maintain lower rates of such detentions.
During this challenging time, the repercussions of Hansen’s legal battles extend beyond the courtroom. Neighbors expressed relief over his latest detention, citing previous fears associated with his unpredictable behavior when under the influence. One neighbor remarked, "We don’t know how affected he is, and when he is affected, he is unpredictable,” reflecting the unease in the community following his temporary release earlier this month.
While it’s still unclear what the future holds for Hansen, the upcoming court proceedings will undoubtedly keep him at the center of media attention as his fans, and the public watch closely. His re-imprisonment means he will be spending not only Christmas but also the New Year behind bars, marking what many are calling the worst gift imaginable for the actor.
Hansen, who has denied any wrongdoing, now faces the stark reality of life behind bars and significant scrutiny of his character and actions. With the charges weighing heavily against him, the path forward looks uncertain, both for his career and for his personal freedom. The legal system’s handling of his case may spark broader debates about the approach to pre-trial detentions and the treatment of suspects within Denmark.
