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Three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, were spared custody earlier this year, a decision that has sparked outrage and will now be reviewed by the Court of Appeal.
The attacks took place in November 2024 and January 2025. One victim, aged 15, was raped three times in an underpass by the River Avon, while another, aged 14, was assaulted in a field after being threatened with a knife.
Both ordeals were filmed and shared online. Prosecutors described the girls as "significantly outnumbered" and subjected to "prolonged ordeals."
Despite the severity of the crimes, Judge Nicholas Rowland handed the boys youth rehabilitation orders, explaining: "I should avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily and support their reintegration into society." He acknowledged the seriousness of the assaults but concluded, "None of you need to go to prison today."
The decision triggered widespread condemnation. One victim told the BBC the ruling felt like "a rock straight in my face," adding it "almost made it seem as if what the boys did was not OK, but it was OK in the eyes of the law because they were still children."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the case "really distressing," saying, "The courage, frankly, of the girls to come forward is humbling, but it is distressing. I find it distressing as a politician. I find it distressing as a father."
He confirmed the sentences will now be reviewed at the Court of Appeal, noting, "There are questions about the sentence... and that is clearly the right outcome."
Attorney General Lord Hermer said he acted swiftly due to the "huge amount of public interest and concern." He praised the victims' "immense bravery" and stressed: "There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this government will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system."
The victims' families expressed hope that "the correct punitive sentence" will be handed down, adding: "This is not just for our child, but for every other victim that has had to face such a heinous crime... Hopefully, the correct outcome will prevail and this sends a message to any perpetrator. It's not OK and due justice will be served."
French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot also voiced her shock, saying she was "deeply shocked that these individuals were in fact able to gain their freedom again when, in fact, the victims are suffering so hard they will never be able to heal."
The Court of Appeal will now determine whether the sentences were unduly lenient and if harsher punishment is warranted.
