There is, it's his history. He was prosecuted as a “habitual felony offender”, so because of his previous offences he got extra time on his sentence.

He probably got light or suspended sentences in previous cases, but he didn't change his ways, so the judge threw the book at him.

I agree, if it was a first time offence, 5 and a half years would be a completely crazy sentence. It wouldn't happen like that though.