A Hedley man who admitted shooting at a moving vehicle with a rifle, on a residential street, was awarded a conditional discharge in Princeton court Thursday, and sentenced to 10 hours of community service work plus 12 months probation.
Under the terms of a discharge, if Peter Pillipow successfully completes the requirements of the sentence, he will have no criminal record in relation to the events.
“I think I’m pretty happy,” said Pillipow, when Judge Michelle Daneliuk asked if he had any comment.
In delivering the sentence Daneliuk agreed with the defense, which requested the discharge, while the crown sought a six month jail sentence to be served in the community.
Pillipow pleaded guilty to careless use of a firearm, and Daneliuk noted both his remorse for his actions and the level of provocation that prompted them.
“Mr. Pillipow is a husband, a father, a grandfather and business owner, and he is respected by his neighbours as a hard working individual who is well liked.”
On September 2, 2017, Princeton RCMP received numerous calls from Hedley residents reporting a car driving erratically and “doing burnouts” on village streets.
Related: Hedley man shoots at car, then calls police
Daneliuk agreed the driver had been a local concern for several months.
“It was of serious concern to not only Mr. Pillipow, but also to other members of his community,” said Daneliuk.
Pillipow’s wife was recording video of the driving with her phone, as potential evidence, when Pillipow feared she would be struck by the car, Daneliuk concluded.
He shot “out of fear for her safety, coupled with ongoing frustration.”
The car was struck, a tire flattened and the radiator was damaged.
Pillipow then went inside and called RCMP to report what had happened. He pleaded guilty to the offense during his first court appearance.
The day following the incident the driver of the vehicle visited Pillipow’s home and threatened to harm the man and his wife. The driver was later charged with uttering threats. He also recieved a conditional discharge.
Following these events the couple was so frightened they sold their home and moved to a gated community, said Daneliuk.
“Mr. Pillopow has satisfied me that he is not in need of rehabilitation and leads me to the conclusion that it is highly unlikely we will ever see Mr. Pillopow before the court again.”
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