The Court of Appeal is set to review the non-custodial sentences given to three teenage boys for the rape of two girls, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed. The decision comes after widespread public outrage and complaints about the original sentencing at Southampton Crown Court.
Sentencing Controversy
The boys, aged 14 and 15 at the time of sentencing, received youth rehabilitation orders rather than custodial sentences. The judge stated he wished to avoid criminalizing the children unnecessarily and to support their reintegration into society. However, the leniency of the sentences drew sharp criticism from politicians, victims' advocates, and the public.
One of the victims described the sentences as feeling like a "rock straight in my face." Jess Phillips, former minister for safeguarding, called the sentences "unduly lenient" and said they sent a "bad message."
Prime Minister's Announcement
Speaking on Tuesday, Starmer confirmed that the Attorney General, Richard Hermer KC, had referred the case to the Court of Appeal. "There are questions about the sentence. The Attorney General has power to refer a case to the Court of Appeal if he thinks the sentence is too lenient. He has now exercised that power," Starmer said. He described the case as "really distressing" and praised the courage of the victims.
Hermer noted the "huge amount of public interest and concern" and stated that the victims had been informed of the referral. He emphasized the government's commitment to addressing violence against women and girls, calling it an "epidemic."
Details of the Crimes
The sentences relate to two separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in November 2024 and January 2025. In the first attack, a 15-year-old girl was raped by two of the defendants, both aged 14 at the time. In the second attack, the three boys threatened a 14-year-old girl with a knife, and two of them raped her while the others encouraged and filmed the assault.
At sentencing on May 21, the two 15-year-olds received three-year youth rehabilitation orders with intensive supervision, while the 14-year-old received an 18-month order. The court heard that one defendant had ADHD and anxiety, another had an IQ in the bottom 1% and ADHD, and the third had mild cognitive impairment.
Victim's Reaction
In an interview with the BBC, the victim of the first attack, now 16, questioned the purpose of the trial, saying the sentences made it seem as if the boys' actions were "OK in the eyes of the law because they were still children." Donna Jones, Hampshire police and crime commissioner, also called the sentences "far too lenient."
The Court of Appeal will now determine whether the sentences are appropriate, bringing hope of closure for the victims and their families.
