> What's the statement here?
That gun control laws are still being enforced, no matter who breaks them? That you can't get away with breaking the law just because you commit a crime that most people don't think is that bad?
> The law was written to prosecute people who are up to no good.
We're talking about someone who confessed to the crime he was sentenced for, and last time I checked, the law is supposed to be equally applied, no matter who you are. Intent does indeed matter, and if this had been some moron with intent to use the tank, we wouldn't be talking about a suspended 14-day prison sentence and a fine.
> If you want to drive around and destroy things there are more cost effective options
Definitely. I'd argue that the relative scarcity of tanks, however, is clearly correlated to the fact that military hardware ownership is pretty much limited to the military. I could -- in theory -- kill someone with a hammer I bought for 1€ at a flea market. That does not mean we should abolish gun control laws because "there's cheaper ways of doing it anyway". Nor should we allow private tank ownership, because I could clearly cause damage more cost-efficiently with a bulldozer.
That being said, I agree that this particular individual doesn't seem to have been a threat at all. Someone potentially stealing the stuff from the old man, however, wouldn't even have to think about things like costs.
> I think it's just as likely that the fine was sized so that between being forced to liquidate everything and paying the fines he will die penniless.
Well, he's been given two years to sell or donate the tank and the AA gun to a collector. There are definitely people who are interested. The final price depends on supply/demand and I'm not an expert when it comes to collecting military hardware.
Whether he'll die penniless or not, well, he was able to afford a tank and an AA gun, as well as a number of other weapons, and ammunition. Apart from that, he also had room for it all. That indicates he does have some money available (assuming he didn't spend it all on the hardware and resorted to living of instant noodles).