Does it befit the crime? I have no idea, I wasn't in court and I don't have years of legal training. Neither were the people who drew up the guidelines, which is why I humbly suggest leaving it to the damn judge, that's what we pay him for.
As for the Independent, you've misread them and misunderstood the idea of life sentences with minimum tariffs*. I'd write more, but it would be unfair. Instead, go and read this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5086978.stm