Three teenage boys convicted of rape and serious sexual assault of girls as young as 14 in north-east England have avoided prison, receiving youth rehabilitation orders and paying just £26 in court fees, the Guardian has learned. The cases, which occurred over the past year, were tried under youth court rules that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment for offenders aged 17 or under.
Victims Speak Out
One victim, raped at age 15, said she felt her attacker “just got away with it.” She expressed fear of encountering him and warned that such sentences foster impunity among dangerous offenders. Another victim, now 16, stated: “I didn’t feel as though the punishment given was justice for me. He is still able to live his life normally.” She emphasized that imprisonment would allow reflection and protect others.
Details of the Cases
- A 14-year-old offender was found guilty of raping a girl over 16 and two other sexual assaults. He received a youth rehabilitation order and was placed on the sex offender register for 30 months.
- A 15-year-old was convicted of sexual assault by penetration against a 14-year-old. He was given a rehabilitation order, a restraining order, and 42 months on the register.
- A 17-year-old, now 18, was convicted of raping a 15-year-old. He received a rehabilitation order and 30 months on the register.
The £26 fee is standard for all youth rehabilitation orders, regardless of the crime. Campaigners called this “less than a parking fine” and “laughable.”
Outrage and Calls for Change
Isabel Owens, CEO of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC), said: “We are deeply concerned about the trend towards more lenient consequences for young perpetrators.” Leonie Hodge of Justice Is Now added: “A £26 fee for rape is laughable. This is pure impunity.”
The cases came to light after victim advocates from RSACC witnessed the sentences and reported them. They expressed frustration at the lack of action from the criminal justice system.
Government Response
The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on individual cases but stated: “Sentencing decisions are made by independent judges. Punishments must fit the severity of the crime.” The Youth Justice Board’s Stephanie Roberts-Bibby noted that “public concern must not be dismissed” while emphasizing the need for balance between accountability and rehabilitation.
This follows public anger over a similar case in Hampshire, where three teenage boys received rehabilitation orders for rape. Those sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal for being unduly lenient, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the case “appalling.”
