The only reason I mentioned the Ian Brady case in post #11 was not to make comparisons between the two cases but to illustrate how much it can ultimately cost the country to keep these low lifes incarcerated long term. We not only have to keep them fed and watered but also to keep them healthy and prevent them doing themselves harm.

In Brady's case the cost of his medical supervision for 28 years in a high security psychiatric unit  was an estimated £7.6 million, including the 14 years he spent on hunger strike. Brady was 25 when sentenced, roughly the same age as the two terrorists who've just been jailed. There is every chance that at least the same amount will be spent keeping them locked up until the end of their lives as they are very unlikely to be released. It's £40k per annum to keep a prisoner at present, who knows what the cost will be in 40 - 50 years time. Whatever it amounts to is a scandalous waste of public resources.