Chris

There is no prospect of early release for the criminals in this case.

I think there is a degree of misunderstanding of what a life sentence actually is in the UK. It does not mean life behind bars. It means jail for an indeterminate period, not less than the tariff set by the judge, with release only when the tariff has been fulfilled, and the offender is considered to be sufficiently punished and rehabilitated and not representing an ongoing risk to the community.

Even when a lifer is released from prison, because they have a life sentence they are out on licence for the rest of their life and can be returned to prison, without any further conviction, if they breach their licence terms.

If these criminals are released from jail after 7 years (and that's unlikely), then they will not have been released "early". They will have been released in accordance with the tariff set by the court.