My opinion is that this is a prime example of a case which does warrant a long term custodial sentence. The kids age is a very minor factor (if even a factor at all). Prisons are full of people, many doing doing long term sentences for crimes that do not warrant such punishments (not 60 years no, I think very few get that type of sentence). I'm talking about things like non-violent or so-called 'victimless' crimes - if you want to start looking at reducing sentences where there was some kind of justification or explanation for a persons action, I would look there.

If you want to talk about prison sentences not being rehabilitative, you need to improve the prison system, not stop sending people to prisons because the prison system is ineffective.

As for sex offenders, there is I think an issue to be considered, but not pertaining to this kid. I am referring to what is considered a sex offence. I have heard of people being registered as sex offenders for basically doing nothing more than being naked in their own back yard (not heard personally, in a TV documentary). Because somehow they get charged with indecent exposure and that automatically means registration as a sex offender. Something doesn't add up there to my mind.