The sentences of three teenage boys who raped two lone young girls in separate attacks are being urgently reviewed by the attorney general following widespread public anger over their leniency. The boys, aged 14 and 15, were spared jail despite being convicted of a total of 11 rape charges. Southampton Crown Court heard they recorded the attacks on their phones, laughing and encouraging each other while outnumbering their terrified victims.
Victim Impact and Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing last week, one of the girls stated, 'All I want to do is die.' Instead of a custodial sentence, the trio received youth rehabilitation orders (YRO) and walked free from court. A government spokesman confirmed that the attorney general's office had received multiple requests for the sentences to be reviewed, expressing shared public shock at the horrific case and offering thoughts for the young victims.
Political and Public Reaction
Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips criticized the lenient sentences, saying they send a bad message. She noted that these young people were essentially raping for content to share on social media. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the sentences a disgrace, questioning what message it sends to rapists when the punishment is no punishment at all. Shadow minister Alicia Kearns referred the case to the attorney general, stating that the justice system seems more concerned with protecting offenders' futures than victims.
Former Old Bailey judge Wendy Joseph explained that if the boys were adults, they would face around 15 years in prison, but for children, the sentence is slashed, often by half or more. She acknowledged the judge's brave step to prioritize help over punishment, as the law dictates children's welfare takes precedence.
Details of the Offenses
The first incident occurred in November 2024 when a 15-year-old girl visited a defendant after meeting on Snapchat. She became scared when another boy arrived, and both raped her while filming. The second incident in January involved a 14-year-old girl raped in a field near Fordingbridge recreation ground, also filmed. The boys received YROs with curfews and restraining orders, and the judge cited peer pressure, ADHD, low IQ, and cognitive impairments as mitigating factors.
Judge Nicholas Rowland emphasized that the defendants are not small adults and that he must avoid criminalizing them unnecessarily, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration. He praised the victims' bravery in giving evidence and providing statements about the lasting trauma.
This case has reignited debate over youth sentencing and violence against women, with Metro's This Is Not Right campaign highlighting the national emergency of violence against women and girls.
