Norwegian Teenager’s Hitman Trial Ends with Hung Jury Verdict

In a courtroom in Huddersfield, the trial of 19‑year‑old Johannes Kongsnes Natland, who was accused of being a foreign‑based hit‑man, concluded with no verdict after nearly 15 hours of jury deliberation.

Natland, a Norwegian citizen, allegedly brokered a murder for 25,000 euros (£21,500) through the Swedish Falcon gang in March last year. Two days after arriving in the UK, armed police detained him at a hotel in West Yorkshire. Police seized two firearms and 12 live rounds from his possession.

He admitted ownership of the weapons but denied any conspiracy to murder. The Crown prosecutor sought a retrial, with Natland remanded into custody while the court handles the case.

The jury retired on Tuesday afternoon, and after 14 hours and 43 minutes of discussion, Judge Lavender discharged the jury because they could not reach a verdict. The courtroom proceedings will therefore resume with a new jury in the future.

For more context on the legal implications of extradition and foreign criminal networks, follow the behind‑scenes coverage on BBC Sounds.