Once again we see a judge criticised for just doing what he is forced to do!
I yet again have to say that a judge DOES NOT make up the sentence off the top of his/her head.
There is only one possible sentence for murder and that is LIFE!
The judge MUST impose a tariff as he has done here. Until the tariff has been served the offender CAN NOT even start the process of applying to the parole board! 33 and 27 years are right up there with the longest tariffs imposed, in reality they will serve at least several more years than the minimum tariff.
'Whole life tariffs' are very rare and can only be imposed for certain categories of murder , multiple murder for example as in the case of Ian Brady.
Even if they do get parole which is FAR from certain, they can only ever be released 'on licence' never actually free. They can be recalled to prison without another trial if they break any of the conditions that will be imposed for any possible release.
In this way life does mean life!
The others were not charged with murder so they can not be sentenced to 'life'. Again the judge had no option but to sentence to the guidelines!
I'm going to keep a copy of this answer as I know I will need it again in a week or two!