From a civil law point of view, possession of an unlicenced firearm is an absolute offence. There are no excuses. The penalties are harsh, 5 years usually.
Military personnel are also subject to civil law. This was tried in a military court, so the judge was not bound by the civil penalty.
Under the circumstances i agree, a bit harsh. But it would have been worse in a civil court.
Last edited by PURPLE PITOT; 12th Nov 2012 at 09:52.