Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called “appalling” the decision to spare jail three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls in Hampshire.
Starmer said it was right that the Attorney General is urgently reviewing the sentences handed down at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday. The Prime Minister described the girls’ testimony as “harrowing and brave.” This was after one victim spoke publicly on the BBC.
Two girls, then aged 15 and 14, were raped in separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in November 2024 and January 2025. Two boys, then 14, carried out the attacks. Meanwhile, a third boy, then 13, was convicted of encouraging one assault.
The boys filmed the rapes and shared footage online. Judge Nicholas Rowland imposed Youth Rehabilitation Orders instead of custodial sentences. He said he wanted to avoid “criminalising these children unnecessarily”.
One 15-year-old boy received a three-year YRO with 180 days of intensive supervision and surveillance. This was for multiple rape and indecent images charges.
The second 15-year-old received the same sentence for three charges of rape against each victim. Additionally, he was sentenced for four counts of indecent images.
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The 14-year-old was given an 18-month YRO. The now 16-year-old victim told the BBC the sentences felt like a “rock straight in my face” and a “slap on the wrist”.
She questioned why she had endured the trial process. Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer is reviewing the sentences under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. He aims to decide, within the standard 28 days, whether to refer them to the Court of Appeal.
