Not sure you can make much exciting in anything involving a court scene, especially considering the case is pretty much open a shut. I guess the only real deciding factor is whether or not the hit caused a loss of life. If no, then a reduction in rank seems fair. If the tactical officer's deliberate reckless action caused deaths, then I don't see how you avoid sending the PC to prison.
"For to win 100 victories in 100 battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill." Sun Tzu - The Art of War