The Court of Appeal is set to review the non-custodial sentences handed to three teenage boys for the rape of two girls, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed. The boys, aged 14 and 15 at the time of sentencing, were given youth rehabilitation orders after a judge ruled he wanted to avoid unnecessarily criminalising them and support their reintegration into society.
The decision sparked widespread public outrage, with former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips describing the sentences as unduly lenient and sending a bad message. One of the victims said the outcome felt like a rock straight in her face.
Attorney General Steps In
The Attorney General, Richard Hermer KC, received multiple complaints under the unduly lenient sentences scheme. On Tuesday, Starmer announced that Hermer had exercised his power to refer the case to the Court of Appeal, which will determine whether the sentences are appropriate.
Starmer called the case really distressing and praised the courage of the girls who came forward. He added: I find it distressing as a politician. I find it distressing as a father.
Details of the Attacks
The sentences relate to two separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. In November 2024, a 15-year-old girl was raped by two defendants, both aged 14 at the time. In January last year, the three boys threatened a 14-year-old girl with a knife, with two taking turns to rape her while the others encouraged and filmed the offending.
At Southampton Crown Court on 21 May, the two 15-year-olds received three-year youth rehabilitation orders with intensive supervision and surveillance, while the 14-year-old was given an 18-month order. The court heard that one of the 15-year-olds had ADHD and longstanding anxiety, the other had an IQ in the bottom 1% and ADHD, and the 14-year-old had mild cognitive impairment.
Victims Speak Out
In an interview with the BBC, the victim of the first attack questioned the point of putting her through the process. She said the judge's decision 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.
Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones called the sentences far too lenient. Hermer acknowledged an epidemic of violence against women and girls and pledged that the government would take action to ensure confidence in the justice system.
