In his mind, Scott Poirier was doing the right thing. By raising his rifle, Poirier was repaying his father Roland for a lifetime of abuse. In the aftermath, most of Scott Poirier’s family sided with him, and agreed his conduct was justified.

His punishment, however, is not.

Justice Joyce Wheeler, on Monday, handed Poirier a 12-year prison sentence, with seven years suspended. Given credit for time served and potential credit for good behavior, Poirier could serve as little as two years for his manslaughter conviction.

Roland Poirier sexually abused his son, so Scott Poirier shot him. The killing occurred during the elder Poirier’s birthday party, at a table surrounded by family. The bullet smashed a wine bottle on its trajectory, then struck Roland Poirier in the throat.

The case struck at the heart of victim’s rights, of the personal, internal struggles that come from long-term sexual abuse, and the abhorrence the community holds for those who would victimize children. Roland Poirier, many have opined, got what he deserved.

This is a callous statement. Roland Poirier, in our society of rules and laws, deserved his day in court and judgment from a jury of his peers, just as his son Scott received.

Scott Poirier circumvented this process, yet he earned the court’s mercy during his sentencing hearing on Monday. He spoke about his regret, and how much he loved his father. “I sure as hell don’t feel like a good person,” he said.

He is, in all estimations, a good person. His family has stood beside him for reasons beyond the abuse. Even Justice Wheeler said he’s worth taking a chance upon. But even good people are capable of dastardly deeds, and Poirier is guilty of a serious offense.

He sent a .270-caliber bullet screaming into a room full of people. If he had missed his intended target, and struck the wall, Poirier could have been charged with reckless conduct, at the least. The Class B felony merits a maximum sentence of 10 years.

If he had missed his target – the bullet did graze his aunt – and killed one of the family members crowded around Roland Poirier, the crime and punishment would have been much worse, regardless mitigating factors of sexual abuse, substance abuse and severe depression.

Only by striking and killing his father did Scott Poirier make his case for manslaughter and the reduced prison sentence he received Monday. This controverts the rule of law.

Scars of sexual abuse are deep and painful. Roland Poirier was a predator of the worst regard – not only did he prey on children, but he preyed upon family. His actions merited severe punishment, through a justice system that is unforgiving on such immoral crimes.

If convicted, he probably would have served at least two years. It is wrong his death merited something less.