I agree with both the last two posts .. and yes .. ON APPEAL the guy got a reduced sentence.
Point of the law is that the judge at the trial must go by the sentencing guidlines .. which for unlawful possession are around 5 years. ....
Appeal court has stronger powers to reduce sentence, and in that case did so.
BUT he was still originally sentenced to 5 years... far less than the 18 months for the SAS Sgt.
The circumstances were also very different ..as I'm sure most will see.