The Prime Minister has condemned the sentencing of three teenage boys who were spared prison for the rape of two girls in Hampshire, describing the decision as “appalling.” The attacks took place in Fordingbridge in November 2024 and January 2025.
The Attorney General’s Office is urgently reviewing the case following widespread public outrage over the sentences handed down.
At Southampton Crown Court, the judge sentenced the 14- and 13-year-old defendants to Youth Rehabilitation Orders with Intensive Supervision. The judge chose not to impose custodial sentences, stating the decision was made to avoid “criminalising these children unnecessarily.” This ruling has sparked fierce criticism from victims’ advocates and politicians alike.
One of the victims, who spoke publicly about the case, described the non-custodial sentences as a “rock straight in my face,” emphasizing the deep emotional impact and concerns that the ruling sends a dangerous message about the seriousness of such crimes committed by youths.
Political figures have also responded strongly. Sir Keir Starmer praised the victims’ courage and said the Prime Minister shares the public outrage. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch called the outcome an insult to the victims, while Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick urged urgent reforms in the handling of serious youth crimes. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, visibly emotional, stated that victims “deserve justice.”
The Attorney General has 28 days from sentencing to decide if the punishment was unduly lenient. If deemed so, the case could be referred to the Court of Appeal, where senior judges may impose custodial sentences on the young offenders.
Originally published by UKNIP.
