A 40-year-old Mountain View County woman who threatened to blow up a well site and shoot at workers last spring has been handed a conditional discharge.
Kimberly Mildenstein pleaded guilty earlier to a charge of uttering threats. Her sentencing before Judge George Gaschner began on Sept. 17 and wrapped up in Didsbury provincial court Monday.
The discharge includes one year of probation. If Mildenstein remains in good standing with the court for the probation period, the discharge will become absolute.
On March 15, Mildenstein sent a faxed handwritten letter to the Energy Resources Conservation Board in which she stated: “If you frack I will blow up your well and shoot bullets at your crew NAL (an oil company with operations in the Sundre area). You are at risk.”
Included on the fax was Mildenstein's contact information. She turned herself into police after being contacted by investigators, and a search of her home found no bombs or bomb- making material.
During sentencing submissions on Sept. 17, Mildenstein told the court she was frustrated and concerned with oilfield traffic and noise around her Eagle Valley property, prompting her to send the fax. She also said she had no intention of carrying out the threats.
Prior to March 15, Mildenstein has made numerous complaints to the ERCB, and sent letters to the premier, the prime minister and others expressing her concerns.
In passing sentence on Monday, the judge said he believed Mildenstein acted on impulse and out of frustration, and that he did not believe she posed any threat to reoffend.
The defence had asked for the conditional discharge, while the Crown had asked for a $1,500 to $2,000 fine.
Mildenstein did not speak during Monday's sentencing, and declined to comment following court.
In a letter submitted to the court she said, in part: “I am sorry for causing so much fear to the Eagle Valley community and the families in the Town of Sundre who work directly or indirectly with the oil and gas industry.
“I am sorry to have frightened families who work with SPOG (Sundre Petroleum Operators Group), the ERCB, NAL and to have taken up everyone's time here today.”
Mountain View County Division 6 councillor Paddy Munro attended the court session in support of Mildenstein.
Outside court Munro said residents concerned with oilfield noise and traffic in the county should only use lawful means to seek remedies.
“We certainly never suggest that anyone should ever take such an aggressive action as a threat,” said Munro. “People have to keep requesting that the provincial government provide them the information and the guarantee that they are safe. It's the government's job.”
