'Goth' murderer's sentence reduced

[daffy654]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/ 7696709.stm

The original sentence should have been increased in my opinion.Feral scum like these lads should not be allowed to appeal the length of sentences.

[QueenOfAmber]

I think this country is getting so stupid. That's all.

[jno]

it's clear enough in the story. His sentence was cut a bit because he pleaded guilty but the judge didn't take this sufficiently into account.

The promise of shorter sentences is precisely to encourage people to plead guilty and reduce the trauma the victim and/or family have to go through with a trial.

Isn't that what everyone wants?

[Ice.Maiden]

Agreed, but I bet most parents of murdered children really wish for a hell of a lot more, re. punishment of the offender.

[Quinlad]

Daffy, you're muddling up two separate arguments here.

One is that you don't feel sentences for this crime are strict enough. Fair enough.

The other is that you don't feel a convict should be allowed to appeal the length of his sentences if the judge has failed to follow sentencing guidelines properly.

Even if sentences are lengthened, there will still be cases where the judge exceeds the correct sentence. The ability to appeal the sentence helps to ensure fairness and consistency.

And consistency is essential. Otherwise none of us know where we are and we're back in the dark ages, hanging people for stealing chickens and letting rapists off with a smacked bottom.