Original subtitles

Based on real events. Details have been adapted for dramatic purposes

and all place and character names are fictitious.

Your Honour, the prosecution wishes to call another witness.

Her name is Louise Thern. She was a stable girl in the summer of 1986.

Her statement has been added

to the preliminary inquiry report, as the defence knows.

Your Honour, the details in Louise Thern's police statement

have nothing to do with the evidence

of the criminal acts stated in this case.

-I don't... -So the defence moves...

...to dismiss the evidence and that she will not be heard.

I claim that she is relevant.

Her story is very similar to the plaintiffs'.

But she has no connection to either Molly Bennett nor any of the others.

Her statement disproves the claim

that this would be a conspiracy by Bennett. So she should be heard.

-And her name is...? -Louise Thern.

And she'll be ready tomorrow?

Then let's start tomorrow off with her.

Fuck...

RIDING IN DARKNESS

I've seen Molly together with Tommy many, many times out there.

In the stables, the riding arena, at competitions...

I've never seen any of these things. Nothing.

On the contrary - Molly has seemed happy.

She's almost flirted with Tommy sometimes.

It was always about sex.

She'd say things like: "I wouldn't mind sleeping with that dad."

Or she'd pretend that the stick of a rake was a willie.

Quite disgusting things.

Did she often express herself like that?

Yes.

When you found out that Molly was suspected of stealing money

from Tommy's and Lotta's office, what was your reaction?

It didn't seem improbable.

Several of the girls working at Heddesta come from...

What can I call it? ...difficult family backgrounds, so...

There have been addictions and such things in the family,

so something like that may not be all that strange.

Katarina Rosén to courtroom number two.

How long have you known Tommy and Lotta, approximately?

Five years, perhaps.

When you first met Tommy, were he and Lotta a couple?

No.

-Was he still married? -Yes.

That's right. Maria Lundh.

Now Stenberg. What was your relationship with her like?

Good. We became friends.

-And what is it like today? -We're still friends.

Meaning what? You call each other a couple of times a year?

We still meet regularly.

Is it correct that you and Maria went to Paris last spring,

just the two of you, on a so-called "girls' weekend"?

Yes.

When Maria and Tommy got divorced,

did she plan to take over Heddesta?

Yes.

But wouldn't it have cost a lot to buy Tommy out?

Maybe a few million. How would she afford that?

Didn't, in fact, you and your husband help Maria

to make an offer for Heddesta?

Well... Yes.

Can you tell us more? What was the arrangement?

We... The thought was that we would take out a mortgage on our house

and then lend the money to Maria.

It almost sounds like you and your husband wanted Heddesta.

No, we didn't.

Wasn't it a great opportunity to buy

a fully operational equestrian property?

No, but there was a risk

that they'd have to sell Heddesta and we thought that would be a shame.

And now there's a new opportunity.

Because should Tommy Lundh go to jail,

Heddesta will be sold at a compulsory auction, isn't that right?

-I don't know. -No further questions.

Thank you.

The court will recess until tomorrow morning...

...when we will hear Louise Thern...

-Bitch. -...and the closing arguments.

Hans-Ove hasn't really impressed me before.

But today he showed his true colours.

He was like a tiger, sneaking up on his prey.

I don't like it that Louise will be testifying.

Well, I felt the same way at first.

But Hans-Ove and I went through her police interview and it's all lies.

Lies from beginning to end.

Plus, I have an alibi. I wasn't even here on the weekend when she left.

I'd say it's good if they let her testify.

It only shows how desperate they are.

NEW WITNESS ON LAST DAY

In the summer of 1986,

you worked as a stable girl at Heddesta?

Yes.

-Did you like it there? -I did.

There were lovely horses there, and nice friends.

How was your relationship to Tommy?

Good. He could be very funny and charming when he wanted to.

His eyes started sparkling in a special way.

-Were you in love with him? -No, nothing like that.

He was an old man, in my eyes.

Did he do anything during that summer

which made you feel uncomfortable?

-You mean before the last evening? -Yes.

No, not really. When drunk, his hands would stray.

He'd touch your bottom or something, but nothing more.

Will you tell us what happened on your last evening there?

I was only there for the summer, that was the deal.

So I was packing up my things in the cottage, where I was staying.

And then Tommy turned up.

And he raped me.

-On the floor in the cottage? -Yes.

Can you tell us more in detail what happened?

He pulled me down on the floor, made me lie on my back.

And then he pulled down my trousers and my knickers...

...and he pulled my legs apart and, well...

Did you try to resist it?

No, that...

I was in shock. I barely knew what was happening.

And Tommy is strong, and his mind was made up.

It was as if I couldn't control my body.

What were you thinking while it was going on?

There was a clock above the door. Just a normal clock with hands.

I tried to concentrate on it,

so I wouldn't feel what was happening to me.

I just stared at it... watching the second hand moving.

So I know it took three minutes and fifteen seconds. Then he was done.

-No more questions. -Thank you.

Defence counsel?

Louise, it's been five years

since this is supposed to have happened.

You haven't mentioned it to the police before?

-No. -But all of a sudden...

...you realise that now it's time to talk about it?

I read about the trial. That a riding instructor

was accused of sexual abuse. It made me think of Tommy.

-And you called...? -The police.

No.

-You called someone else first. -Yes, Katarina.

To ask for the number to the police.

In other words, Katarina Rosén?

Yes.

Didn't you call Katarina out of curiosity?

To find out if the accused was Tommy?

And she made you call the police.

-That's not it at all. -Then I don't understand.

Why did you wait five years before going to the police?

I didn't want to think about it.

I'd put it behind me.

My boyfriend didn't know and we've just had our first baby.

-I've been busy with other things. -But...

Let me finish. Let me finish.

One morning, I'm sitting in the kitchen

with my daughter, reading the paper.

It's about the trial, and about how Tommy denies everything.

And I felt...that I don't want her

to have to encounter someone like Tommy.

It's made me feel awful and I have to talk about it,

or he'll just keep doing it over and over again.

So I told my boyfriend that same day,

and then I called Katarina, and after that the police.

Any more questions from the defence?

No, no more questions.

Hello.

Why didn't you say she stole money?

-It wouldn't have benefitted us. -Why not?

That information could be interpreted in two different...

No. How could it be bad for me that she stole money from the café?

Louise Thern gave a strong statement.

She's lying.

It affected the members of the court.

Being too tough on her could have made things...

I have an alibi for her last weekend at Heddesta.

Why didn't you tell them?

No, you don't. We double-checked yesterday.

-Now, our closing... -Whose side are you on?

Let's go through our closing argument, we don't have much time.

We have heard four plaintiffs.

They have all told similar and consistent stories

of assaults by Tommy Lundh.

With regard to all the supporting evidence that has been presented,

it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that the charges are well-founded

and that he should be convicted on all three counts.

As for the sentence, we can establish

that Lundh, without exception, has assaulted vulnerable girls.

Young girls from troubled homes,

with one or both parents absent.

Because of his ruthlessness, I recommend a sentence

of four and a half years imprisonment for Tommy Lundh.

-Thank you -Thank you.

-Defence counsel? -Your Honour...

...Tommy Lundh and his partner Lotta have, for almost ten years,

run a very successful riding school at Heddesta.

They have welcomed young people of all backgrounds.

For one...one of all these hundreds of youngsters...

...things went wrong.

She stole money and was asked to leave Heddesta.

After that this person has fabricated accusations of assault by my client.

And she has made three other riding friends do the same.

In each and every one of these plaintiffs' statements,

the defence has been able to point out inaccuracies and contradictions.

It's their word against his.

And it cannot be considered proved beyond reasonable doubt...

...that Tommy Lundh has done what he is being accused of.

The defence therefore calls for

acquittal on all counts.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

I hereby declare these proceedings closed.

Sentence will be passed on October 21, in two weeks,

at 9 am.

Thank you.

Please, calm down.

We'll appeal.

I would strongly advise against that, considering...

Wait a minute. Just so I understand...

I've been convicted on all three counts, despite being innocent.

I have to pay 150,000 kronor in damages.

-And you're happy with that? -No. But considering the evidence...

You've mismanaged this from day one.

You risk an increased penalty if you take this further.

-You could get four and a half... -How many hours did you charge for?

You've been accused by two more former pupils.

-I found out yesterday. -I want a different defence counsel.

That's your right.

Tommy Lundh has been found guilty on all counts.

The sentence, two and a half years imprisonment, is too low.

Damages have been awarded more or less in accordance with our claims

but I will discuss a possible appeal with the plaintiffs.

Here you are.

I want to say a toast to you. You've been so incredibly brave...

...to have coped with all of this. Well done!

I agree. To you!

-Cheers! -Cheers!

-And thanks for all your support. -Yes, thanks, Katarina.

You've been expelled from the Equestrian Federation.

And the Swedish Federation of Equestrian Camps.

Fucking weaklings.

Half of the pupils are gone. Well, more than half.

Okay, let's go bust and start up again.

I turn everything over to you.

Then none of the federations can say anything.

No... No, Tommy.

Let's turn the house over to you too, in case of a distraint.

-I honestly can't see how it'll work. -What?

How Frida and I will cope by ourselves.

But you have to.

What else will you do? You can't do anything. You have no education.

The option is living in a high-rise ghetto with two snotty kids.

-Mummy? -Go away, we're talking.

-I can't find my pyjamas. -Go away, I said!

Are you deaf?

Go upstairs, Victoria. I'll come later.

Listen, I won't leave you in the lurch.

We can talk every day and take stock.

Two years will go by quickly.

When did he first hit you?

I don't really know which was the first time.

I remember moments in my childhood when I felt threatened.

Scary things that happened.

But...did he hit me?

I really don't know.

Do you know what happens if you leave?

Vickan and Agnes will end up in a foster home.

Lotta will never manage on her own.

I don't want to pressure you, but...

I think it's important to be upfront about the situation.

Just so you understand.

I'll stay, of course.

That's good, Frida.

-How about pizza tonight, girls? -Yeah!

-Right? Let's have pizza. -Yes.

-What kind? -Hawaii!

Hawaii. Of course we'll have Hawaii.

Yes, Hawaii it is!

I want a protected identity.

He threatened the neighbours last night.

Said he'd kill the whole village.

And this morning, Mum noticed that her tyres had been slashed.

And you feel threatened too?

When he finds out I've told you about my childhood...

...then I will.

Sebbe's having a party. Didn't he say?

He asked if we wanted to come. And he made sure I'd ask you too.

Oh?

You know he's in love with you, don't you?

He starts to stammer when he sees you.

And I thought he had a speech impediment. Okay, let's go.

We could pre-party at my place.

Molly?

-What happened? -He's in that Jeep. Tommy.

-Tommy? -Yes, he's out there.

-There's no one there. -But he was. He was.

Okay.

Breathe. Okay?

Let's go this way.

That's 44 kronor, please.

-Here you are. -Thanks.

-Here's 6 kronor in change. -Thanks.

Roger to the checkout, please.

-Here comes the pizza. -Oh, look at that.

Pizza time.

-Who wants Hawaii? -Me!

Yes. Here's some Hawaii.

How about you, darling? Hawaii or Capricciosa?

I'll have the Capricciosa. What's this?

Blood?

That's right. I cut myself.

I bought new ratchet straps.

It's impossible to open the packaging without cutting yourself.

There. What do you want, Frida? Hawaii or Capricciosa?

-Capricciosa. -Yes.

What the hell...?

Shouldn't I just drive you on Monday?

No. It'll only make us depressed.

I'll take a taxi.

Have you spoken to the children?

I've prepared them a little. I told them you have to go away for work.

When's your first prison leave, do you know?

No.

But I promise to be on my best behaviour.

-Hold tight. -I am.

-Hello. -Hello.

-Nice pony. Is it a Shetland? -Yes.

-What's it called? -Elvira.

Elvira? What a pretty name.

-Do you know who I am? -No.

I'm your grandma.

But we don't have a grandma.

-What are you doing here? -I just wanted to talk to you.

Before I go back to Skåne. It won't take long.

Let's go inside.

What a pretty place this is. It's exactly how I remember it.

-You're pretty. -Say what you want to say then leave.

Lotta...

I'm not leaving Tommy. No.

Please, Lotta, I'm only asking you to fully think this through.

You and the children can come and stay with me and Dad.

-We'll help you with everything. -Sure you will.

If you don't want that, we can buy you your own house.

Okay... You can afford that?

We've made calculations. We can do it.

Please, Lotta...

...think of the children. Think of yourself.

So I should leave Tommy because some girls made up lies about him?

You know it's true...all of it.

-No, I don't. -But Lotta...

You haven't been here. You have no fucking idea.

I know what he's like and what he's done to you.

These girls have been after Tommy from day one, I've seen it myself.

He was careless, but he's learned his lesson.

-But he'll never change. He's sick. -Get out.

-I want you out of my house! -But just...

-And I never want to see you again. -Let's talk.

-Get out! Do you hear me? -Calm down, please.

I want you out of here!

Can you climb up?

Hold tight. That's it, good.

And then put your foot in. That's it. Good.

-Are you alright, Vickan? -Hell yeah.

Now, take Krusse for a ride.

Good!

-We've had so much homework lately. -I know.

-So you studying geography tonight? -That's the plan.

Or you could come over and watch Beverly Hills.

Tricky choice. Will there be popcorn?

No, but there will be cheese puffs, as you'll be bringing some.

-I'll bring popcorn. -No, you'll bring cheese puffs.

I'll come over at seven. With popcorn.

You just said cheese puffs, didn't you?

Hi, Nella. Great that you changed your mind. Popcorn it is.

Hello?

-Hi. -Is this Molly?

-Yes. -Great.

My name is Björn. I'm a journalist at Swedish Television.

I'm wondering if you have a minute to talk.

Oh?

I'm working on a programme about the legal case you were involved in,

where Tommy Lundh was convicted of sexual assault.

-What was your role in the matter? -My role?

You were the first girl to report Tommy.

-Is that correct? -Yes.

How many sexual assaults took place?

I don't know exactly how many, but there were lots.

You told the police that it was one per week.

-For a whole year. -Yes, something like that.

-So around fifty assaults? -More or less.

Did anything stop you from leaving Heddesta?

-What do you mean? -You said it went on for a year.

So something ought to have stopped you from leaving.

If this went on for a year, why didn't you just leave?

Heddesta meant everything to me. I lived, worked...

I understand. But why didn't you escape...

...if you knew he'd assault you again?

Can I ask you another question?

One Katarina Rosén

helped you to file the police report?

Yes.

And you met at her place to discuss it?

No, they came and got me...

Excuse me. Who did?

-Katarina and Tomas. -Okay...?

They could hear that I was upset, so I told them what Tommy had done.

So you met in their home and talked about filing a report?

Yes, but...

-About how to get Tommy convicted? -No.

I'd also like to know about the thefts.

Tommy and Lotta say that the money could only have been stolen by you.

-Molly...? -I didn't steal anything.

-Then who stole the money? -I don't know.

Was it Frida?

I don't want to participate in this.

Won't you just tell me who stole the money?

Hello, Tommy. Björn, from the M6 newsroom.

Hi, I'm Peo, the producer.

-What do you want? -Would you like to sit?

-Yes? -Have you heard...

-...of the da Costa case? -Of course.

Both the GP and the pathologist were acquitted.

The court found it proven beyond reasonable doubt

that they'd dismembered da Costa, despite lack of evidence.

We think there are similarities with your case.

-Okay? -Inconclusive forensic evidence.

And witness statements in your favour have been disregarded.

But above all, the media pressure for a conviction

has overridden the rule of law.

This is exactly what I've been saying for two years now.

We're picturing a 90-minute documentary.

Right. And how many viewers do you usually get?

1.5 million.

Do you like it, Vickan?

How long are you on leave?

Just over the weekend.

But it'll happen more often the closer I get to being released.

I see.

So, how did you two meet?

-You tell him. -At my sister's graduation party.

I thought: "He looks yummy."

-You must have been drinking. -No.

I suppose I thought the same thing.

When I saw you dancing, I just, "Wow!"

-What do you do? -I work at a construction site.

That's great.

-Is it your company? -No, a friend's.

This is very tasty.

He certainly doesn't say no to a drink.

That must be his fifth or sixth top-up.

Never mind.

Seriously, Frida, you can do better than that.

I like him.

Did Lotta mention that they're making a documentary?

-No. -They are. About my case.

I see.

The M6 newsroom.

SVT's most prominent programme.

They'll record it here at weekends, when I'm on leave.

I'd like you to be in it.

I'd rather not, Tommy.

You know, this is my chance to clear my name.

Your word carries a lot of weight, as you and Molly were best friends.

It would almost seem a bit odd if you weren't in it.

Considering your testimony.

The police may think you changed your mind.

And start poking around in that perjury business...

Damn, imagine what Tommy's had to go through.

-Those girls deserve a good beating. -Jens...

And what's that bitch's name? Katarina. How could she?

You know nothing, Jens, so please, don't say anything.

He called us late one Saturday evening. What time was it?

Around half past ten. He was very aggressive.

He wanted me to comment on the claims

that I had come up with the whole thing

in order to get hold of Heddesta.

I said: "Okay, I can do that, but only on live television."

He answered: "Suit yourself." And then he hung up.

I've written a letter to them, asking them not to broadcast it,

considering the harm they'd be causing you.

Afterwards, we can report it to the Broadcasting Commission,

but it's difficult to get it stopped in advance.

"...that he'll end up like all tyrants do, sooner or later,

said Jonathan.

That he'll be crushed like a bug and be gone forever.

I hope that happens soon, I said."

I thought they were going to stop it.

They couldn't.

-Will you watch it? -No, I don't want to know.

Promise me you won't watch it either.

-Yes. -Please? Promise.

Alright, I promise.

That's it!

-Hello. We're here now. -Hi.

I think we just managed to... Yes, this will do.

How are you?

Can I take this?

...an M6 documentary about a controversial legal case.

Two years ago, a riding instructor was sentenced to prison

for sexual assault on four of his pupils.

But the question is, was he wrongly convicted?

Subtitles by Annika Yberg Svensk Medietext