'What ifs' are not a defence to a crime. The court cannot consider what *may* have happened under different circumstances, only what *did* happen. The fact remains that this guy shot a 16 year old kid in the back. The law says that this isn't allowed. Guilty. Even in a completely lawless society where everyone lived under the gun, shooting a kid in the back would have repercussions...and gaol would be the last of Mr. Martins worries. He should be thankful that he does live in a society with laws.