Why do they give such low sentences

[emmie]

for such a serious crime. I will never understand our legal system

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-20509238

[emmie]

i have read the answers, why would you think that i didn't, just because i don't happen to agree. For those who think they get a full life sentence fine, for those who wished the law actually said 30 years no parole also fine.

[NOX]

But you don't appear to understand Em10 that that this sentence means he will serve a definite 5 year sentence before they even start to look at him as being suitable for release. If he's still deemed to be a danger (and he's not likely to be able to convince them easily he's not) then he will stay in prison indefinitely until he can convince them he's not a danger, that could very easily mean 15, 20 years. This is not a lenient sentence , this is a potential life sentence, what more would you have the judiciary do?

[emmie]

state clearly and unequivocally, the weasly wording doesn't help. It says it can be reviewed after 5 years, why? it's may not be murder in the 9th degree, but it's a truly shocking, despicable crime, one that that should be punished, same as all rapists with a very long sentence. If he serves 10 years i would be amazed,

[ummmm]

Wait to be amazed then!

[NOX]

So you want a set length of sentence of say 10 years- okay, but what happens if after 10 years he's still having fantasies about raping little 4 year olds? They have to let him out. That's stupid, reckless and dangerous.
This way they can keep him until he can convince someone he's no longer a threat, which might be never, so I really don't understand why you think a 'set time ' tariff would be an improvement, especially for people whose crimes are sexually motivated. Plus tbh a sentence where you have no set end point would be much more of a punishment mentally.

[EDDIE51]

I would be willing to bet that this man will serve at least 15 years. (more likely over 20 years)
You still just do not understand what an indeterminate sentence really means. It means that this person will be locked up until it is decided that he is no longer a threat, this will most certainly not be in 5 years. Even when he is (or if) he is released he can be recalled to prison for ANY criminal offence without another trial, he could shoplift a pack of bacon and be back inside and do another 10 years. That is because the committing of another criminal offence would prove that he was still a threat and had not learned from his mistake. The indeterminate sentences are designed to do exactly what you want,stop reoffending,but you seem determined not to see it !