I agree. There were several decision makers involved. One factor, if I recall the newspaper article correctly, was that there was no response from parents when the court counselor attempted to make contact.

I also wonder if there was more backstory than what made it into the news. Had the boy been picking some frustrated gardener's prize blossoms every day? Had he been warned before?

One frustration I remember hearing voiced by all the counselors was parents unwilling (or unable for whatever reason) to teach their children to respect the rights of others.