Suspended sentence and probation for online bridge threat

An online threat to the Battlefords bridge that caused a panic on social media and in the community itself in September has resulted in a suspended sentence and 12 months probation to the accused.

That was imposed on Arthur Knudsen, 18, in provincial court Tuesday morning, almost two months after he pled guilty to the charge of uttering a threat on social media, in this instance to blow up the Battlefords Bridge.

As part of the sentence handed down by Judge Lorna Dyck, Knudsen is not allowed to access a computer, smartphone or wireless deviceexcept for employment and education purposes.

Losing computer and online access was a big thing, Judge Dyck acknowledged, but she told Knudsen “you’re giving up that privilege because of what you did.”  

Knudsen must also abide by a curfew and several other conditions, and must make restitution in the amount of $1,848 — the amount of lost wages for police who had wasted their time and resources investigating the bogus bomb threat at the bridge Sept. 10.

The restitution will be paid in increments of $150 each month. A $100 surcharge was imposed as well.

Sentencing arguments were heard Monday in North Battleford provincial court with the final sentence delivered Tuesday.

The sentencing wraps up a case that played out on local social media in the early morning hours of Sept. 10.

According to the facts outlined in court, at 4:25 a.m. police were made aware of a posting on the Facebook page North Battleford Confessions 2.0.

The post’s author had claimed he had made a bomb using the same products as crystal meth, which,if set on fire, would explode. The post also claimed it would be put underneath the bridge at 8 a.m., and if anyone needed to go across the bridge they should go early “because unless your truck has a snorcle (sic) you aint getting across”.  

That post created “social media attention” according to Crown prosecutor Suzanne Reid’s submission, and resulted in a complaint to the RCMP.

According to the Crown’s facts, the accused was identified through his Facebook profile and tracked down to a residence in North Battleford. Knudsen answered the door and immediately said he didn’t have any bomb-making items and was joking.

RCMP searched the residence and found no bomb-making items.

Knudsen was arrested shortly before 7 a.m. According to the Crown, he gave a sworn statement where he admitted he had made the Facebook post “out of boredom” and “didn’t mean it.”  

An extensive search involving eight constables, a corporal, a sergeant and the inspector took place at the bridges that morning and nothing was found. Fortunately the bridges did not have to be closed to traffic.

Reid called for a custodial sentence and suggested four to nine months in jail. She cited some case law, although all counsel acknowledged there was not a lot of case law out there for this situation.

Bill Archer, representing the accused, did not agree jail was called for, arguing his client was not thinking of the consequences. “He thought he was going to create some social media buzz,” Archer said.

He called his client’s action’s “colossally stupid,” and agreed a message had to be sent, but said “jail should be a last resort.” Archer also noted his client has already suffered consequences having lost his full-time job.     

In imposing sentence, Judge Dyck regarded Knudsen’s actions as a “sign of immaturity rather than truly criminal in nature.”

The judge said rehabilitation was of primary importance and also cited the need for  restitution as well.