Secretary of Statesville

George Ryan was sentenced to 6 1/2 years yesterday. A friend of mine thinks that is a little harsh considering his advanced age and poor health. I think it is light considering his actions indirectly caused the deaths of 6 children in a car accident.

I have a few questions:

1. Will he serve any time? I expect an appeal process that could carry him through to the end of his life.
2. Should advanced age and poor health be taken into consideration when sentencing someone? It seems to me that he is lucky to be sentenced now when he is nearing the end of his life and not while he was young and full of life. To be put in prison in the prime of your life seems much more cruel than at the end.