sp1814. Believe me I have not a shred of sympathy for these evil people!
It is just that every time there is a case similar to this reported we get the same outraged protest about 'Idiot Judges' 'lenient sentences' and demands that they be locked up for ever. When the truth is that a Judge can only sentence according to the law, no matter what the circumstances.
The 'tariff' is always quoted as the date the offender will be released, and not as what it actually is, the minimum time that has to pass before the offender can even begin the process of applying for parole.
Finally 'Life' really does mean LIFE, contrary to the popular view on AB.
An offender sentenced to 'life' can only ever be 'released on licence'. The life sentence remains in place and can be reactivated at any time if the licence conditions are not complied with. They can be recalled to jail without a further trial or conviction.