http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6994679.stm
Well? Harsh or not?
I think it is harsh. But I also think that it is about time for harsh penalties because with all the fudging with sentencing it'll work out about right in the end.
I am more bothered by the mainstream thinking about penalties out there, everyone thinks there should be a clampdown on anti-social behaviour but every time it happens there is a hue and cry about what a little angel he was and how it is going to ruin his promising life.
Same applies to immigrants, nobody wants them, but just try deporting one and everybody lines up to protest at the inhumanity of it.
We really are our own worst enemies.
As I keep saying, if you don't want to risk the consequences of what you choose to do - don't do it.
Aggressive sentencing and fixed penalties inasmuch as you actually serve the time you were sentenced to is a good way forward.