The same concept can be found in sales. This costs $1000.00 but we will drop it to $500.00 when the actual value is $50.00.
Accepting the offer will not save his life. It will damage his reputation and hold him back in life. They get you focus on the higher cost so that you don't see them robbing you blind, which is what would happen if he pleaded guilty.
They need to prove his guilt, beyond a shadow of a doubt. What evidence do they have? An unreliable witness and? CCTV footage that doesn't show him focusing the complainant.
Saddens me that so many people are prepared to just bend over like that. Makes me realise the need for advocates who give a damn because too many fail to realise what they are worth and what they are entitled to .
I would agree with you if he was still facing 10 years, but he is down to time served and a misdemeanor .