The case against coach Gjert Ingebrigtsen enters its fourth week after Easter, with his wife, Tone Ingebrigtsen, scheduled to testify on Monday, April 28, in South Rogaland District Court. The entire court day is reserved for her testimony.

Will She Testify? The Family’s Complex Dynamics

Speculation is rife about whether Tone Ingebrigtsen will provide testimony, given her close relationships with both the defendant and the alleged victims: her son, Jakob Asserson Ingebrigtsen, 24, and her 18-year-old daughter. the legal complexities are significant.

John Christian elden, Gjert Ingebrigtsen’s defense attorney, highlighted the pressure on Tone Ingebrigtsen: It is indeed her right to not have to get in a dispute between family members, and we heard in court that her daughter put a grate responsibility on her by threatening to break the contact if she (her mother) did not share her daughter’s opinion.

The Charges Against Gjert Ingebrigtsen

Gjert Ingebrigtsen faces accusations of mistreating two of his children through repeated threats, coercion, deprivation of liberty, violence, and other offenses allegedly spanning several years.He denies all criminal charges outlined in the indictment.

Mette yvonne Larsen, the assistant attorney representing the alleged victims, stated, We certainly know nothing about whether Tone ingebrigtsen will explain himself in court. It will be good for the relationships with my clients if she does.

Tone Ingebrigtsen’s Silence and Presence

• Tone Ingebrigtsen has not spoken to the police, given interviews, or made statements to the media regarding the estrangement from five of her seven children or the charges against her husband.
• She has been present at the South Rogaland District court during the proceedings, sometimes just outside courtroom 1 in Sandnes Tinghus.

Elden noted, we have understood from the children’s diploma in court that she should most agree with Gjert, but there is no description from her. He also emphasized that neither he nor Larsen represents Tone Ingebrigtsen and that they have advised her to seek self-reliant legal counsel.

Larsen expressed that her client found it surprising and uncomfortable that her mother was present outside the courtroom, given the limited contact between Tone Ingebrigtsen and the five children who have testified.

Mistreatment vs. strict Upbringing: The Core Debate

tone Ingebrigtsen’s presence throughout her children’s upbringing makes her viewpoint crucial. The prosecution views her experiences and observations as vital to understanding the family dynamics.

Five of the children and two daughters-in-law have testified to an upbringing marked by constant scolding, fear of reactions, and instances of violence. The 59-year-old Gjert Ingebrigtsen admits to possibly going too far on two occasions but denies ever being violent.He acknowledges a loud and sometimes harsh communication style within the family but claims the arguments and harsh language were mutual and often initiated by the children.

He denies specific allegations, including neck holds, shoves, face slaps, and chest punches, stating he has never struck anyone.

Children’s Consistent Accounts

The children’s testimonies consistently describe Tone Ingebrigtsen as a non-intervening figure during conflicts.

She was never involved in anything. She never took anyone’s pages. She was very side and was just there.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen, March 25

Jakob added:

then I know that she was present at many of the events I told about. And I have also realized that she was present in many of the events my siblings have told about. But I have concluded that she has been as great a victim as the rest of us.
jakob Ingebrigtsen, March 25

Defense of the wife

Liva Børkja Ingebrigtsen, Henrik’s wife, testified about a conversation with Tone Ingebrigtsen in January 2022, where she asked if Gjert had been physically abusive towards her. Liva quoted Tone as saying,No,but I have never been allowed to have the friends I want or go out and do what I want alone.

Gjert Ingebrigtsen has defended his wife against what he perceives as unfair accusations. Elden emphasized the importance of Tone Ingebrigtsen sharing her perspective, given the numerous references to her role in the family.