"Punishment is too easy a band aid for a wound. Try a little human understanding
and compassion for those who have been left out."

It seems to me that some form of punishment is the ONLY response to such heinous crimes. It would appear that the rioters committed their crimes because they thought that the worse they could expect, if caught, was a 'slap on the wrist'. I saw one (very young) rioter interviewed on TV who said: "What are they going to do to me? Give me an ASBO (Anti-social Behaviour Order)?" If they are not adequately punished then there is an increased likelihood of future riots.

We should also remember that the rioters showed no understanding and compassion for the people adversely affected by their crimes. Even if a person is 'disadvantaged' (arguable in this case) it doesn't exempt them from showing empathy for other members of their community.