I won't argue that these sentences are disproportionate.
But is it what we need in response to this? I'd argue yes.
The spark for these "riots" was a gentleman who was killed during an arrest. Bad times, of course. Very bad times.
But it's important to understand that the details of /exactly/ what happened here are currently officially unknown. The official report has not been released.
On the back of this, groups of people all over the UK decided to go on organised shoplifting spree's. When asked by the media "Why" they said things like "To get back our taxes, innit." [SIC]
Perhaps a few, who are at the very least comfortable with criminal behaviour, need to be given these sorts of sentences - and then for the media to make it well known it's happened.
A deterrent. Unfortunate for those singled out for it, but perhaps one needed for the good of the whole society.
They looted charity shops for fucks sake. Parents supported the kids doing it.
Something had to be done. This was it.