Did you ever make a mistake when you were 17? Did you actually realise what it would mean to make a mistake and destroy your career prospects for the rest of your life?
Would you have the same generous attitude if it was your child that had been sexually assaulted? I’d be surprised if you were.
Once might be a “mistake” (with the emphasis on “might”) but three times, as per the article, is deliberate, intentional and perhaps, even, premeditated. The victims have to live with that for the rest of their lives but old mate pays his $5000, has his name suppressed and gets on with life as though not much happened. Justice, amongst other things, encompasses accountability but I see little of that here.
It seems to me that "my career will be ruined" is a convenient ploy to avoid proper accountability. If a defendant didn't plead that a career was at stake, having committed a similar offence, would they get off so lightly?