SOME people will no doubt argue that Kenneth Lumsden's life sentence for being a getaway driver in an armed robbery is too harsh.

It's not.

Others may argue that if John Archibald can get just three years for raping a dying woman then Lumsden's sentence seems all the more over the top.

But those people would be missing the point.

Lumsden played a part in an act which left an ugly and terrifying mark on all those involved. Two men burst into a bank and threatened innocent staff and customers with what appeared to be a gun.

Lumsden chose to be the getaway driver and is no less to blame for this cowardly and irresponsible act.

Lumsden has been involved in robberies before that's why he received a life sentence.

And we must remember this; life doesn't mean life. Lumsden could be back on the streets after only six years.

Lumsden got the prison sentence he deserved for helping two men terrify and frighten people into handing over cash they had no right to take.

However, John Archibald did not get a sentence anywhere near to what he deserved. He sexually attacked a dying woman in a care home.

But his three-year sentence comes nowhere near to what he should be serving especially when you consider all the anguish he caused his victim.

So, when we consider the sentences dealt out to criminals we must be sure not to fall into the trap of saying a getaway driver should get a lighter sentence because a rapist did. We must stand back and consider what sentence fits the crime committed.

Lumsden has earned his time behind bars. But John Archibald should have been given a lot longer in custody to think about what he has done.