Sex offender Kristjan Sepp petitions Harju Circuit Court for early release

37-year-old Kristjan Sepp, who has repeatedly run afoul of the law and has been convicted of sexual conduct with a minor, petitioned Harju Circuit Court on Monday for early release from prison. Sepp claimed in court that he has changed as a person and wishes to start a new life. Both the prison administration and the prosecutor's office oppose his petition.

A hearing took place on Monday in Harju Circuit Court where 37-year-old Kristjan Sepp petitioned for early release from prison. Sepp's criminal history is extensive; the man has previously served sentences for theft, robbery, and drunk driving, but was most recently convicted of sexual abuse of a minor.

In the courtroom, Sepp confirmed that he has changed during his time in prison and wishes to give himself a new chance. "Prison is a terrible place to be, because this paragraph is so awful!" said Sepp, referring to the statutory provision related to sex crimes, which he said makes prison life particularly difficult.

Despite the convict's own assurances, both the prison administration's representatives and the prosecutor's office maintained their opposition to early release. Both parties concluded that the conditions necessary to release Sepp before the end of his sentence have not been met.

Early release for those convicted of sex crimes is always a difficult decision in Estonia, as courts must carefully weigh both the likelihood of the convict's rehabilitation and public safety. Harju Circuit Court did not make its final ruling public at the hearing.