Punishments really should fit the crime, law-abiding citizens would agree. That’s why probation deals in recent heinous, high-profile cases are beyond belief.

There’s the probation for mixed-martial arts fighter Arnold Berdon, who pummeled his now-ex-wife, Rachael Ostovich Berdon, into the hospital. Despite the prosecution asking for five years in prison, Berdon was sentenced to four years probation, largely due to her forgiveness and for the sake of their 6-year-old daughter.

But the more outrageous case in point: Former Honolulu police officer Teddy O. Van Lerberghe, 45, will get probation only, after pleading guilty to seven counts of sexually assaulting a girl over four years starting in 2004, when she was just 5 years old. For perspective: That period spanned nearly half of her young life.

Van Lerberghe, who joined HPD in January 2007, was terminated in May 2016. Good.

For his crimes, though, Van Lerberghe struck a plea deal guaranteeing a five-year probation sentence with no included jail term; he’ll also have to register as a sex offender for life. That’s the deal, despite pleading guilty to four Class B felonies, normally punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and three Class C felonies. A spokesman for the city Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, said, “We’re not going to comment on the case until after Van Lerberghe is sentenced in August.”

Clearly, a full explanation, beyond mere comment, is needed. Even then, it would seem cold comfort to Van Lerberghe’s young victim and her family.