That is a far better argument . However there is a fundamental tenant of English law that ignorance of the law ( or in this case , a failure to understand the law ) is no excuse.
I agree breaking the law by accident is still breaking the law.
But also not doing it intentionally, cooperating, be willing to make amends and pleading guilty usually come with some sort of lenience ….
What is also rare is the fact that the punishment for breaking the rules/law was not stipulated when the rules were made.