To ask someone to explain the "life sentence" thing to me.

[Gurnie]

How can someone receive "13 life sentences" let alone serve them...and then be being prepared for release? I get that these are different to "whole life sentences" but why is a life sentence so called?

Hi Gurnie presumably he was tried for 13 similar offences. The use of violence will be the reason he got life sentences for those crimes. He was armed with a gun as I understand when carrying out robberies and his nickname 'skull cracker' is because he hit people on the head.

Life doesn't seem to mean life any more like it did in days gone by.

This might help on the concurrent/consecutive sentence business...

sentencingcouncil.judiciary.gov.uk/docs/Definitive_guideline_TICs__totality_Final_web.pdf

As well as what people have said above, the concept of parole makes life better for prison staff. If someone know they are in forever, where is the incentive to behave? It is safer for staff and inmates to have parole as an option for some people.