Justice must be seen to be done - really?

The BBC reports that Eric Illsley has been released after just three months of a twelve month sentence for misuse of public funds. Not much point in prosecuting David Laws then, is there? Illsley is quoted thus:

"Twenty-three-and-a-half years as an MP and that is behind me now. So I look to the future, a new career."

And what career is open to anyone accused of fiscal malfeasance? Oh, yes, of course - one within the Westminster 'bubble' - nothing like looking after your own, is there?

From prisoners advice (which may, or may not, be extant), I note that:

"The Criminal Justice Act 2003

For prisoners whose offence was committed on or after 5 April 2005:
Determinate sentence of 12 months or more (except extended sentences) - automatic release at ½ way; no parole eligibility; licence continues until SED;
Determinate sentences of under 12 months - CJA 1991 applies; automatic release at ½ way; no parole or licence arrangements;
Extended sentences - automatic release at ½ way point of custodial term; parole can be applied for at the end of the custodial term; licence continues throughout the specified extension period.
Extended sentence imposed on or after 14/7/08 - the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (CJIA) amends the CJA 2003 so that there is no automatic release date; parole can be applied after ½ of the custodial term; licence continues throughout the specified extension period."

Automatic release at half sentence and no parole eligibility - so since when was one quarter equal to one half?

Perhaps there is a lawyer amongst my readers? (Where's CharonQC when you want him?)

Does the decision to release Illsley appear to have a certain 'aroma' attached?

One again, just asking......................