Butterfield, 27, who admitted possessing a loaded pistol, had appealed for leniency after a psychological report revealed he was traumatised by seeing two friends gunned down in the past.However, Mrs Justice Simmons told Supreme Court yesterday nothing in the report, nor his good family support and remorse for the crime, could excuse his behaviour.She pointed out 12-years is the mandatory sentence for such firearm offences because of the terror gun violence causes in the community.Police discovered a Kel-Tec semi-automatic, loaded with nine 9mm rounds, in the back of Butterfield’s car, after stopping him in the early hours of July 25 last year.He had been involved in a fight at Southampton Rangers Cricket Club and was returning to that scene with the weapon; his attempt to flee when police arrived sparked a high-speed chase ending with Butterfield crashing into a wall near the Fairmont Southampton Princess on South Road.Supreme Court previously heard Butterfield told the officers that confronted him: “I’m going to spend time with my old man. My life is over.”His sentencing began last December, but was put on hold while a social inquiry report was compiled.When it resumed yesterday, Butterfield’s lawyer Shade Subair told the court the report showed he witnessed two friends being shot four years ago.“This is a defendant who has been traumatised by virtue of previous gun incidents he witnessed prior to the incident in question,” said Ms Subair.Ms Subair also provided character witness statements describing Butterfield as a respectful individual who is doing well in the Regiment and noted he had many family members in support at court.Addressing the court, a tearful Butterfield said: “I want to apologise to my family, friends, the court, the community and all the kids who look up to me as a role model.“I feel stupid for what I have done. I’m truly remorseful. I ask for lenience; I have always been a positive young man trying to make the most of my life and I still have a positive attitude towards life.”Passing sentence, Mrs Justice Simmons said: “Everyone would have to accept that gun offences in Bermuda are one of the most serious offences.“The blame lies entirely on you, even though you may have been influenced by other people.”The judge noted the incident did not cause the physical damage of a shooting but continued: “There’s a loss of security. People feel less safe in their homes.“They know you can purchase guns because you readily purchased one. It doesn’t make people any safer in their homes.”