There is defiantly a reasons why people get off so light. You most probably won't like it.
The Judge constantly has to juggle the issue of popular option of the public and what works from a corrections put of view.
Considering the time between his last conviction and the circumstances of this offense he would be considered low risk. Remembering that it was the victim falling back and hitting his head that cause the fatal injury. Of course the offender is responsible for that, but the Judge would have taken the fact that, that part was unintentional into consideration when sentencing.
When these cases come up the argument the sentence needs to be a deterrent to others is put forward. Unfortunately harsh sentences do not work as a deterrent to others
Nor do people learn from spending more time in prison. Going to prison actual increases peoples likelihood of re-offending.
Judges are well aware of this when they are sentencing and take it into consideration. It's a bloody hard job they can't lock them up forever and they know the longer they spend in prison the more likely they are to re-offend when they are released.
It certainly doesn't seem like justice for the victim and his family
I myself am a strong advocate for early intervention. So we can avoid getting to this point in the first place
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