Absolutely! There's a reason why lots of states have a "three strikes and you're out" law, although that wasn't the basis for the life sentence in this case. The third strike doesn't have to be a violent felony. I've heard of prosecutors getting using the three strikes provision when the third offense is DWI or DUI.
Indeed; three strikes and you're out laws came into existence because too many bleeding-heart liberal judges let too much slide...this judge did not; he knew the score. I wonder how many dozen times this perp had been in his courtroom before the fateful sentencing hearing?
Really, beating up an 87 year old woman for a 19 inch black and white TV in 1970? You know, they had color TV's by then, he could at least have stolen a fancy new color model if he were going to get life for it.
Reagan80