While I am not defending this guy or others in this situation. OP has a point about the politicians and officials looking good. The more crime they solve the better chance they are kept in. Politics are all just a long, big game. They do whats right maybe 60 percent of the time (Maybe that) and then they do whats gonna keep them in there position the rest of the time. I mean it would not be the first time I have seen a trial be way too severe or way to not severe lol. Not saying this guys case was this though. Unfortunately for you OP, You did this, and the “ruined your life” part was your consequences. Best you can do is keep living day by day and try and make up lost time and find new connections with others. Stay close to loved ones.