the sentences being handed out seem similar the riots in 2011 so i'm not overly concerned.
A judge can't just make up a number - there are guidelines for specific crimes e.g. many of the rioters seem to be getting 2 to 3 years and the maximum sentence for violent disorder is 5 years. So about 1/2 the max. In fact one judge bemoaned that he wasn't able to jail some of the culprits for longer.
All people being charged are being done under existing laws - no new laws have been passed.
A judge can't just make up a number - there are guidelines for specific crimes e.g. many of the rioters seem to be getting 2 to 3 years and the maximum sentence for violent disorder is 5 years. So about 1/2 the max. In fact one judge bemoaned that he wasn't able to jail some of the culprits for longer.
All people being charged are being done under existing laws - no new laws have been passed.