Is it ever acceptable/understandable?

I rarely post, but I am pretty bored this afternoon.

The offender in this first link

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/sick-teen-rapist-released-early-14474106.html

Has become the victim

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17324651

Although his name has not been released, it is common knowledge here that both stories involve the same man. Over the past few days, I have spoken to many workmates and friends/family about this. The typical response has been that most are quietly pleased, with a quite a few openly condoning it.

What say you?