LETHBRIDGE, Alta. (CP) – The strange tale of an Alberta politician who faked a stalking complaint ended Friday as a sentencing judge heard how her personal demons had led her into drug addiction and a suicide attempt.
The Lethbridge, Alberta alderwoman who faked her own stalking will serve a 20-month conditional sentence.

Dar Heatherington cried in court as she was handed the sentence for public mischief.

The court was told that Heatherington has attempted suicide since her conviction two months ago.

A sobbing, shaking Dar Heatherington appeared unsteady on her feet and was given permission to satta king sit next to her lawyer as provincial court Judge Peter Caffaro delivered a conditional sentence for public mischief.

She will serve eight months of house arrest, followed by 12 months during which she must observe a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

Heatherington, 41, was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service. She must undergo counselling and can’t have alcohol or non-prescription drugs.

“I’m exceptionally relieved that she’s not going to jail,” said her lawyer, Tracy Hembroff. “I don’t know if it would serve any purpose, but people might beg to differ. I’m relieved and I think ultimately she will be too. She’s obviously distraught.”

Heatherington was escorted out of the courtroom for processing and wasn’t available to reporters.