Tough dealing

Fernando Lee North, accused of being the so-called Purple People Bridge rapist, was willing to take a plea as long as he wouldn’t get more than 70 years in jail.

The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s office decided to hold firm, insisting on a maximum of 100 years. North said no to that Friday and now is scheduled for trial next month on multiple charges of aggravated robbery, robbery, kidnapping and rape for attacks last November. If convicted of everything he could get 148 years in prison.

Assuming he’s guilty as charged, North deserves to stay locked up forever. But the math here doesn’t add up. North is now 31. If he got sent away on the deal for a maximum 70 years he would be 101 when he got out. Cutting him such a "bargain" and saving the emotional and financial costs of a trial sounds like a pretty good deal for the law-abiding.