Two Jutland-based army privates were sentenced respectively to six and eight months in prison by a lower court for firing live ammunition into a tree at Holstebro Barracks.

According to the court the two soldiers were ‘very drunk’ late one night in June 2009 when they fired at least seven shots from an old military rifle into the tree from the window of an apartment within the confines of the barracks.

The eldest, a 27-year private, was sentenced to eight months in prison for illegal possession of a rifle and ammunition. Both were found guilty of shooting the tree, which will cost the 20-year-old private six months in prison.

After the verdict both soldiers said they would appeal the decision.