Today’s news / Prosecutors demand rape conviction for Philip Westh
Philip Patrick Westh has appealed the verdict of the court in Næstved, where he was, among other things, convicted of murder. The prosecution has cross-appealed and wants him convicted to the fullest extent in the high court. Photo: Jesper Andkjær/Ritzau Scanpix

Prosecutors demand rape conviction for Philip Westh

Philip Patrick Westh immediately appealed his life sentence for the murder of Emilie Meng on June 28. The Prosecutor’s Office in Copenhagen has now counter-appealed, seeking a conviction according to the indictment, which includes not only the murder but also rape and prolonged abduction. Although Westh was found guilty of killing 17-year-old Emilie Meng and disposing of her body near Borup, where she was later found, the court proved only the attempt for prolonged abduction and attempted severe rape. Prosecutors aim for a full conviction versus the attempted charges in the upcoming review by the high court. Westh admits abducting and assaulting a 13-year-old girl but denies rape and attempted murder. He also denies killing Meng and attacking another girl near Sorø. His defender announced an appeal for acquittal or mitigation immediately after the June 28 ruling. The date for the high court’s review is still unknown.