Christopher Wardle Sentenced To Four Years For Witness Tampering, Violating Protection Order

BOZEMAN, Mont. — A sentencing hearing in Bozeman has officially closed the criminal case against Christopher Wardle after a year-long court process.  

Family and friends of Cate Sorensen gathered at the Gallatin County Justice Center on Friday to hear the sentence for Sorensen’s ex-husband. Those who gathered to support Sorensen donned baby blue clothing, Catherine's favorite color. 

Leading up to Friday's sentencing, Wardle previously pled guilty to witness tampering and violating an order of protection. 

Jessica Zimmerman, a friend of Catherine Sorensen, described the lasting impact she said stalking had on her life.  

"My home no longer feels safe, driving no longer feels ordinary, even moments of happiness are often interrupted by the thought that another incident may be just around the corner. This is what sustained stalking steals from its victims; it steals the ability to simply exist without fear," Zimmerman said.  

In an impact statement, Hannah Baker, Sorensen’s daughter, asked the court for the strongest possible punishment. 

"I'm not asking the court to fix something that cannot be fixed. I'm begging the court to impose the maximum sentence to honor Catherine's life, to hold Christopher accountable and to restore faith in the justice system that many people have lost," Baker said.  

Judge Andrew Breuner of the 18th Judicial District Court then handed down the sentence after impact statements concluded, and both the state and defense presented their arguments to the judge. 

"To count five, tampering with witnesses or informants, it's a felony, that's a violation of 45-7-206. Defendant is committed to the department of corrections for a period of four years," Breuner said.  

Wardle was sentenced to four years in the Montana Department of Corrections with two years suspended. He also received another 196 days in the Gallatin County Detention Center on charges tied to violating the protection order.  

While the criminal case ended Friday’s hearing, a civil case involving the estate of Catherine Sorensen remains pending.  

The next hearing in that matter is scheduled for August 24 in Park County.