SARNIA -- A 66-year-old Arizona man arrested at the border with an arsenal of loaded handguns in his vehicle was released from jail yesterday after spending three months behind bars.

Collie Roe pleaded guilty to eight gun-related offences including possession of prohibited weapons, importing prohibited goods and evading customs laws July 12 at the Blue Water Bridge.

Under Canada's strict new gun laws, Roe could have been sentenced to a mandatory three year prison term.

Instead, his case was treated as a summary offence and he was released on compassionate grounds due to poor health.

The pre-sentence custody was regarded as equivalent to 6 1/2 months.

Roe is a gun enthusiast and firearms instructor.