I could not help but notice throughout this thread that this man is refered to as "scum". I understand it is a common title for those who commit crimes of lust and sodomy upon unwilling victims, no doubt, and the act is reprehensible in every regard. However, it is a defensive tactic. As DaShen has already noted, you are denying this person his humanity because what he has done. You have severed empathetic feeling for him because of his action.
Which explains why it is a defensive reaction. You are not willing to admit that you are all cowards compared to him. This man would have gotten away scot-free with the crime of his passions should it have not come to him, and him alone, to decide that he should bring closure to this rift he has caused in both his life and hers. He has commited the sin and escaped judgment. Yet he returned with apologies and with the acknowledgement of what he has done is wrong. This is why it is in the news; it's absolutely astounding that any person with the capability of executing such a terrible act, seemingly escaping all prosecution, can also go and return for proper penance and resolution. It is an affirmation of the good that exists in humanity, no matter the person; that there aren't just good guys and bad guys but that there is a possibility for redemption after all from those that society would think are failed beings. And only by making him to be at the level of frogspawn can you not only rob him of the accomplishment that this is, but also rescue yourselves from the fact that, should you have ever found yourself in his place, you would all be enjoying the freedom that comes with breaking the law without consequence to yourself.
Of course, you'd never be in his place. Remember, only the inhuman would do such a thing. Non-rapists are all human, and would never even think of such heinous acts. So, he is just an abomination recognizing his evil, and everyone else must be rather proud with the fine job they've done not raping people, right? Right. There is no doubt that what he gets is what he deserves, but those calling for more punishment, or no sympathy, should consider that themselves when it is their turn to be judged.
You tut-tut the wounds it had reopened, but I ask if that could be considered harm. She has started a fund for other victims as herself because of it. And frankly, I would know of no worse crime than this woman continuing to live with this secret buried. Without the bravery to admit that it happened and that it was wrong, to herself and to the police, what would happen? Nothing. Just like many cases go each year, the crime going accepted as a necessary trauma of life. That is far more damaging than making someone remember of the damage they have tried to cover up with a bandage.
Below this sentence will come the outcries of liars who can actually stomach to retort that they would do the same thing in his position.