Man Sentenced to Prison for Damaging Road on His Land
A long-standing dispute over a road leading to a shooting range in the Kalix municipality has resulted in a man being sentenced to prison. Bo Nordebo has been convicted for serious damage on three occasions during the summer of 2021 and has been sentenced to one year in prison. In addition to his prison sentence, he has also been ordered to pay SEK 339,615 in damages to the Fortifications Agency for repair costs.
The conflict revolves around a road that spans across Nordebo’s land, leading to the Lomben shooting range. Despite Nordebo’s claims that the road was laid where it does the most damage, it is owned by a community association in which the Fortifications Agency has 90 percent of the shares. The road is used by the military, forest owners, berry pickers, and hunters, and also serves as an emergency route for the emergency services.
Nordebo argues that the road hinders his plans to operate gravel farms in the area and believes that he is supported by the Construction Act. He denies any intention to commit a crime and says, “It’s my land, I’m the one who follows the law.”
Following the court’s decision, Nordebo has stated that he plans to appeal the verdict. He describes the situation as absurd and maintains his stance on the ownership and use of the contested road.
The dispute has seen many tours in different instances and has finally been decided in the Haparanda district court, leading to Nordebo’s conviction and sentencing. The ongoing disagreement over the road and the implications of the court’s decision are sure to keep this case in the public eye for some time to come.