Am I right in thinking his punishment would have been 2 weeks if he hadn't contested the case? It's getting a bit silly when saving the panel 2 hours' debate is rewarded with 2 weeks reduction in punishment.
I think you're correct. If a player pleads guilty and appears contrite the ban is halved, which I don't agree with. I haven't seen the incident but Heem should have every right to defend himself if he thinks the charge is wrong. My view is that a ban could be reduced in relation to mitigating factors.
Maybe its an indication they the PRL/RFU have the ban periods for certain offences incorrect.