Just as his trial was about to begin, defendant Robert W. Lyons decided to plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm. Lyons, 47, of Hughesville, pled guilty on two counts and was sentenced by Judge Dudley N. Anderson to 44 to 88 months state prison.

Lyons’ attorney claimed his client was a hunter and didn’t know his prior criminal record disqualified him from owning a firearm.

“Ignorance of the law doesn’t justify breaking it,” Anderson told Lyons.

The firearm charges stem from a July 28, 2012, domestic dispute between Lyons and Michelle Long at 1342 Horn Hill Road, Hughesville. What began as a misdemeanor domestic dispute escalated to a multiple-felony arrest, according to Anderson.

When state police arrived on scene, Lyons pointed a long gun at Troopers Adam Kirk and Brandon Schrawder, according to an affidavit.

For about 90 minutes, Lyons barricaded himself inside the residence and pointed his gun at additional officers as they arrived on-scene. Lyons also made threats about killing the officers if they didn’t leave his property. At one point, Lyons came out the front door with a gun hidden along the side of his body and yelled, “Shoot me so I can shoot back,” the affidavit states.

“As soon as guns are involved, things get elevated as far as sentences and the seriousness of the situation,” Anderson said.

Last year, Lyons was tried and found guilty of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, harassment and reckless endangerment in connection with the 2012 incident. Judge Richard A. Gray sentenced him to six to 10 years in state prison.

Lyons’ state prison sentences will run consecutively for a total minimum of nine years and eight months to a maximum of 19 years and two months behind bars.