I highly doubt anyone made their recommendations lightly, or made decisions based on anything but what was put before them as evidence. Why is it poor reporting just because information you felt the need to know, didn't make it into the article. You do know it's public record, you can go research the case and get all the info you need, all by yourself. 
As for the sentence .. the consequences aren't over the line. 7 1/2 years for emotionally & physically scarring a child - she got off reasonably in my book. 
We must take this kind of behavior against our children very seriously! These acts can set the tone of a child's life .. THAT MATTERS!