[3] He resigned from politics following his indictment and subsequent conviction for child sexual abuse.

In 2011, Birkedal was charged with having sex with a minor and sexual misconduct.

In February 2012, the city court acquitted him on the most serious charges involving sex with a minor, while he was convicted on lesser charges involving secret filming and inappropriate internet conduct, to which he pleaded guilty.

On 17 October 2012, Birkedal was found guilty of sex with a minor and sentenced to 7 months in prison.

He was fined to pay the victim 60,000 NOK in compensation by Gulating Court of Appeal.