Crime26 May, 20262 min read
Court of Appeal Reviews Sentences for Three Teenage Boys Convicted of Raping Two Girls in Hampshire
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Three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls in Hampshire in 2024 and January 2025. They received non-custodial sentences (youth rehabilitation orders) instead of jail.
Sentences Sent to Review
Three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls in separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, were spared custodial sentences and their cases were referred for review by the Court of Appeal after public outcry. At Southampton Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Rowland said he wanted to “avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily,” and the boys were instead given youth rehabilitation orders and intensive supervision and surveillance.
The BBC reported that the girl raped in January 2025 told BBC Newsnight: “I just want to be able to go on a walk without being scared that I'm going to see them and they're gonna try to do something again.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the referral was “clearly the right outcome,” after attorney general Richard Hermer exercised his power to refer the sentence for review.
Voices After the Backlash
Jess Phillips, the former safeguarding minister, said she was “thrilled” the sentences were being reviewed and argued the UK has a “massive problem” with child sexual abuse being perpetrated by children. Phillips also said it was “unforgivable that a… premeditated rape with more than one person there… on 11 counts of rape,” adding that “it is very obvious to anyone in the British public what the outcome of that case should have been,” while the BBC reported the victim described the judge’s remarks as hitting “like a rock straight in my face.”
French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot told the BBC she was “deeply shocked” that the teenage boys were able to gain their freedom again while “the victims are suffering so hard they will never be able to heal.” In response to the criticism, the attorney general’s office said “There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest, and concern,” and that it directed officials “to allow me to consider this decision swiftly.”
What Happens Next
The Court of Appeal will review whether the sentences imposed were “unduly lenient,” with the attorney general’s office saying it will decide whether to increase the existing sentence. The BBC reported that the girl’s father called for a custodial sentence and said “This is a life sentence for her,” while the BBC also described how the Sentencing Council for England and Wales says courts are expected to prioritise rehabilitation for children and use custody only as a last resort.
CNN said the sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal after the teenagers were allowed to walk out of court without any custodial sentence, and it described the case as involving community rehabilitation orders. The Guardian reported that the sentences relate to the rape of two girls in separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in November 2024 and January last year, and that the Court of Appeal will review the sentences to determine whether they are appropriate.