A priest in Western Sweden has been convicted of sexual harassment after exposing himself and masturbating on a balcony in view of several children, some under the age of 15, during the summer of 2022. Using a flashlight to highlight his actions, the priest's conduct was witnessed by five individuals.

Despite denying the allegations and attributing his behavior to mental illness, the Uddevalla District Court ruled that he was sufficiently stable to be aware of his actions, given that he was performing regular duties such as services and ceremonies at the time.

The priest has been handed a conditional sentence and ordered to pay fines totaling 18,000 SEK, as well as compensation to four of the five complainants.

In addition to this, he was also convicted for carrying a knife in public in the spring of 2023. The decision regarding his future within the Church of Sweden remains pending, as legal advisors await the conclusion of the legal process before making a determination.