Source: https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Johan_Andersson/2953

According to official court documents obtained by MetalSucks, guitarist Rikard Sundén (FORMER Sabaton/ FORMER Civil War) has been convicted of sexual abuse of an eight-year-old girl and possession of child pornography. The most likely former musician who now goes under the name Johan Andersson molested his daughter’s friend during an overnight stay on the night of February 14, 2020. In more sickening and gruesome detail, the authorities also seized two computers and a mobile phone owned by “Andersson.” They found seven films of underage children committing sexual acts, with one film being unclear to determine the age.

MetalSucks reported, the young child, whose anonymity is protected under the alias “NN3,” says that she slept over with the ex-musician’s daughter and her family on February 14, 2020. She alleged “Andersson” “snuck into her room late at night, lifted her blanket, and touched her inside her clothes and around her intimate parts.” The eight-year-old girl initially pretended she was sleeping, as she didn’t know what to do while her friend’s father touched and lifted her shorts, which he already checked in on the two girls more than once. When the young girl decided to move, “Andersson” left. 

The young child tried to get her friend’s mother’s attention in hopes of going home due to a “stomach ache.” She was told it was too late to go home as it was the wee hours of the evening. The 8-year-old-girl initially kept the incident private until she told a friend at school several days later. The news eventually went to the girl’s mother as she reported the incident to the police on March 6, 2020, leading to the girl’s testimony on March 17, 2020. 

Sundén denied the sexual abuse claim against him as MetalSucks report he stated:

“His theory is that his daughter, who touches herself a lot when she sleeps, has accessed NN3 with her hands and feet in her sleep. NN3 has since made a mistake and thought it was him. “

The girl’s mother testified that her daughter used to be a “fearless and forward girl” and has turned into “a shadow of herself,” being more “insecure” since the incident. The child is now terrified when she sleeps.  

Regarding the charges of child pornography possession, MetalSucks reports Sundén admitted to watching child pornography but denied the files were his. Sundén explained how many people had access to his computers, including the previous computer owner, the repairman, touring bandmates, etc. Additionally, he insists the footage found on his phone, which he solely has access to, didn’t involve someone being underage. 

The Swedish court found Sundén guilty of one count of child sexual abuse and six counts of possession of child pornography. He has been sentenced to nine months in prison and SEK 53,400 (USD 6,240) in damages.

Sundén, who left Sabaton nearly a decade ago, is presently bandless. Civil War recently revealed Sundén is no longer a member since February 2021. The group didn’t reveal details as they instantly moved ahead, announcing Thobbe Englund (ex-Sabaton) as his replacement.