I thought 15 years was considered the normal max in Europa
Life is mandatory in the UK for convicted murderers, but they get a minimum tariff before they are eligible for parole. Your “average” murderer serves 14-15 years. “Whole life” tarrifs are reserved only for the very worst, such as those who murder children, or terrorists. If the one who got 45 years keeps acting up, he will never get out. Unfortunately, he will probably mellow in his old age.