>>>how's that work, Buenchico?
If I'm honest, Jno, I'm not really sure!
People sentenced to more than 4 years in prison can normally apply for release at the half way stage. However, unlike sentences of less than 4 years, it's not automatic. If they don't get released they can keep reapplying (annually, I think) up until they've served two thirds of their sentence, when release does then become automatic.
However the courts have powers to amend the way that sentencing works in certain cases (which, as I've indicated, I don't fully understand). It seems, from the BBC report about the case, that such powers have been used in the 'restructuring' of the sentence, which also means that the offender will remain on licence (after being released from prison) for 6 years longer than he otherwise would have been:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-33106492