The Court of Appeal is set to review the sentences of two teenage boys who were spared jail for raping two girls, following a referral by the Attorney General under the unduly lenient sentence scheme. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the decision on Tuesday, calling the case 'distressing' and commending the victims for their courage.
Case Background
The two 15-year-old offenders were sentenced at Southampton Crown Court after being convicted of raping two girls in separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. The first rape occurred on November 26, 2024, and the second on January 17, 2025. The judge imposed Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs) of three years with 180 days of Intensive Supervision and Surveillance (ISS), avoiding custodial sentences to 'avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily.'
Prime Minister's Response
During a visit to East Sussex, Sir Keir Starmer stated that Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer had reviewed the case and referred it to the Court of Appeal. 'The Attorney General has the power to refer a case to the Court of Appeal if the Attorney General thinks that the sentence is too lenient,' the Prime Minister said. He acknowledged the distress caused by the sentencing and the bravery of the victims in coming forward.
Victim's Reaction
One of the victims told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the decision to spare her attackers from prison felt like 'a rock straight in her face.' She described the emotional impact of the sentence and the ongoing trauma from the assaults.
Trial Details
The trial heard that the first victim met one of the defendants on Snapchat and visited him in November 2024. After performing sex acts on the boy, who was then 14, she became 'scared and anxious' when the second defendant arrived. The pair raped her while filming the incident. The videos were later circulated, and the victim received abusive messages, including being called a 'sl*g.'
The second victim, aged 14 at the time, was raped in a field near Fordingbridge recreation ground, also while being filmed. Both defendants were diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, factors considered during sentencing.
Sentences Imposed
One 15-year-old received a three-year YRO with 180 days of ISS for two counts of rape and two indecent image charges. The other received the same sentence for three counts of rape and four counts of taking indecent images. The Attorney General's referral means the Court of Appeal will now determine whether these sentences were unduly lenient and could impose stricter penalties.
