What the article seems to have glossed over is this:

>>> A court ordered eight weeks of house arrest, a psychological evaluation and 20 days at an alternative school for the girl.

If one assumes that the court did take into consideration context and age, it appears to largely validate the follow up decision once flagged. (I don't agree with lack of parental contact, to be clear.)

I’ve been at small courts. I wouldn’t assume the court took any of that into consideration.

If the police were willing to make an example out of someone, the judge they work with is likely to do that as well.