offences.

The man hailed as a law and order champion could have been jailed.

Relief was written on the faces of his wife Patricia and ex-political colleagues.

"It is a very reasonable verdict,'' said United Bermuda Party backbencher and friend the Hon. John Stubbs.

But former Independent and UBP MP Viera showed no emotion when Acting Senior Magistrate the Wor. Cheryl-Ann Mapp sentenced him.

Mrs. Mapp said she could not give him a "slap on the wrist''.

"Otherwise anybody in this community will feel free to arm themselves because they feel threatened.'' Mrs. Mapp added it was "fortunate'' Viera's readiness to use weapons had never been tested.

Afterwards, the father-of-two -- who had been turned in by Police by one of his daughters -- immediately went to the cashier at Magistrates' Court.

He then left to have a cigarette outside, brushing aside journalists' requests for comment.

With him was his wife, sister, and lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch.

Later the former Southampton West MP said of the case: "It's behind me. I just want to get on with another chapter in my life.'' On May 23, however, he faces an allegation of assaulting his daughter Kristina. He denies the offence.

Yesterday Viera was fined $1,500 for the most serious charge -- possessing a .38 calibre six-shot Smith and Wesson revolver.

He also received $500 and $800 fines for having an electric stun gun and two canisters of "pepper defence'' spray.

In addition, he was fined $800 and $400 for possessing 50 .38 calibre cartridges and a flare pistol.

The 58-year-old admitted the charges, reversing earlier not guilty pleas.

He could have been fined a maximum of $5,000 for each offence under the Firarms Act, or imprisoned up to two years.

Prosecutor Insp. Peter Duffy had made no recommendation for sentence.

Mr. Dunch, however, appealed for Viera to be spared prison.

He said there was no evidence Viera owned the revolver, which he acquired in the late '60s, and ammunition for criminal purposes. But he added Viera became paranoid following repeated threats of violence.

Citing legal precedents, Mr. Dunch said imprisonment would be inappropriate.

Mr. Dunch also pointed out how Viera had suffered from the ordeal.

And the ultimate tragedy was that Police were alerted by the daughter he had fallen out with.

Several VIPs including Dr. Stubbs, St. George's South MP Grace Bell, Opposition House Leader Mr. Reginald Burrows, dentist Dr. Stanley Ratteray, and Southampton West constituent Ms Jackie Zuill spoke on Viera's behalf.

Dr. Stubbs said Viera had been subjected to private and public threats of violence.

Mrs. Bell told how Viera had backed tough penalties for abusers of women and children.

Ms Zuill said Viera was a great supporter of family values. His constituents had tremendous esteem for him.

Yesterday Mrs. Mapp said she had carefully considered the character witnesses and the legal authorities put forward by Mr. Dunch.

But there was no doubt Viera's actions had been "deliberate''.

He had flouted the '70s firearms amnesty -- brought in following the assassination of Governor Sir Richard Sharples -- and the law.

Mrs. Mapp accepted Viera risked threats from people who did not share his views.

But that was the case for anybody in public life, not just politicians.

"You have always been aware of the intents of the Firearms Act,'' she stressed. "We have made firm stand with respect to the use of firearms in order that we can collectively protect ourselves from those who would use them.'' Mrs. Mapp said Viera had committed his offence over a long period.

And she added it would have gone undetected -- if his daughter had not reported him to Police.

Mrs. Mapp said she had taken into account that the firearms were not loaded.

"I have no doubt the ramifications of this particular offence will be far-reaching.'' She said she had balanced the interests of society, with the circumstances of the offence and the offender -- as Mr. Dunch had urged.

"I would not expect you to find yourself in this particular predicament again.'' Mr. Dunch told Mrs. Mapp she had restored his confidence in Magistrates' Court.

Afterwards, he said of the sentence: "I think that it was absolutely the right result.

"I had every confidence that the Acting Senior Magistrate would balance all of the interests that were required. And I think the public will be satisfied that justice has prevailed.'' LIGHTING UP TIME -- A smiling Harry Viera shows the court case did not leave him out of puff. With him is lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch, his wife Patricia (back to the camera), and his sister. The Wor. Cheryl-Ann Mapp.