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Prime Minister condemns non-custodial sentences in rape case
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described as "appalling" the decision to spare three teenage boys jail time for the rape of two girls, aged 15 and 14 at the time of the attacks. The sentences, handed down by Southampton Crown Court, are now under urgent review by Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer.
Victims speak out against 'slap on the wrist' ruling
One of the victims, now 16, told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the court's decision felt like a "rock straight in my face." She questioned the purpose of enduring a trial if the outcome made it seem "as if what the boys did was not OK, but it was OK in the eyes of the law because they were still children."
The attacks occurred in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in November 2024 and January 2025. The boys, then aged 13 and 14, lured the girls through social media before raping them in separate incidents-one in an underpass by the River Avon, the other in a field. The assaults were filmed on the boys' phones and later shared online.
Judge defends decision to avoid 'criminalising' youths
At Thursday's sentencing, Judge Nicholas Rowland acknowledged the "seriousness" of the crimes, noting the filming had compounded their gravity. However, he opted for Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs), which include community service, curfews, or treatment programs, to "avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily."
The 14-year-old boy received an 18-month YRO for encouraging one of the attacks. The two 15-year-olds were given three-year YROs, including 180 days of intensive supervision, for multiple rape charges and indecent image offenses. Under UK law, minors serve custodial sentences in secure children's centers, not adult prisons.
Political and legal figures demand urgent action
Starmer, responding to the BBC interview on X, called the victims' testimony "harrowing and brave" and praised their "extraordinary bravery and strength in heinous circumstances." Cabinet Minister Darren Jones said the government expected the Attorney General's review to conclude "sooner" than the 28-day deadline, stressing the girls "deserve justice."
"This is an appalling case and it is right that law officers are urgently reviewing the sentences."
Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
Former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, a Conservative MP until 2019, described the sentences as "certainly unusual" given the crimes' severity but noted the boys' age influenced the judge's ruling. He emphasized the Attorney General's review must remain "completely independent" of political pressure.
Critics warn of 'wrong message' to perpetrators
Labour MP Sarah Owen, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, argued the ruling sent a "wrong message" to potential offenders that "even if you're found guilty, you're not going to go to prison for rape." Barrister Charlotte Proudman, who represents sexual abuse victims, called the justice system "not fit for purpose," prioritizing "protecting the future of boys" over safeguarding women and girls.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was "sickened" by the case, while Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick claimed justice had not been served. Liberal Democrat attorney general spokesperson Ben Maguire urged a "swift and decisive" review, and Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza pledged support for the families, stating no girl should feel such crimes go "unaddressed properly."
Government vows 'utmost care' in review
A government spokesperson said officials shared the public's "shock" at the case and were reviewing it with "the utmost care and attention." The Attorney General's office has until late June to decide whether to refer the sentences to the Court of Appeal.
