a crime is considered murder when it is pre-meditated (i.e. planned). if it was not planned it is not murder, manslaughter at the most.
the law works on a system of precedent. that means rulings have to be consistent with previous crimes. rulings are not made out of passion.
this may seem like the most horrible crime to you and you would give the bugger death. but frankly speaking, there are many sickos out there who commit sick crimes. just because this one is sensationalised by the media doesn't make it worse than others.
most importantly the judge does not decide the charge. the charge is pressed by the prosecutor (DPP). among many things that the DPP has to decide is how to put the guy behind bars. if he had gone for a murder charge, he would have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the crime what pre-meditated. if he did not successfully do that, the guy would walk free.
the sentencing would then be made consistent with the sentences for past similar cases.
so please respect the judge. you losers may be criticising the wrong guy in the first place. and don't make a stupid comment that could get you in trouble, especially where the law is concerned. we are not in a position to judge crimes based on one newspaper article
