Two girls, aged 14 and 15, were raped in November 2024 and January 2025 in separate incidents in Fordingbridge, and their rapists, three teen boys, were convicted but released for rehabilitation and will not serve prison time. Two boys, both 14, were convicted and sentenced on Thursday of rape, while a third boy, then 13, was found guilty over his role in the second assault, reports the Daily Mail. Their identities have not been made public.
The Attorney General has referred the sentences of the three teenage boys to the Court of Appeal after widespread public and political backlash at the lack of punishment. The decision for an appeal was confirmed on Monday as presure continues to grow over the lenient sentence scheme, with ministers now asking judges to consider whether the original penalties were too light.
Despite the convictions, all three were handed youth rehabilitation orders. The ruling meant none of the teenagers were sent to custody. Speaking during a visit to East Sussex, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the case as “really distressing,” adding, “I think it's distressing for everybody to see, to hear about.”
The Attorney General Richard Hermer KC said the case had prompted significant concern and confirmed all three sentences had been referred. “There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country,” he said.
He added that the government "will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system."
The original sentencing at Southampton Crown Court drew major public backlash after Judge Nicholas Rowland praised the defendants’ behaviour in court and said they had “done very well” while under restrictions. He imposed rehabilitation orders lasting up to three years. He noted that the boys did well especially due to their low IQs,
One of the victims later told the BBC that the sentence felt like “a rock straight in my face.” She said, “What is the point in putting me through that just to say it's fine?”
During proceedings, the court heard the girls were “significantly outnumbered” during the assaults. Following the referral, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed the sentences will now be reviewed by the Court of Appeal, where judges could increase the penalties.
French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot also commented on the case, saying, “I really salute her strength and the decision she made, because I know that it's an incredibly difficult decision. I am deeply shocked that they [the boys] were able to in fact gain their freedom again when in fact the victims are suffering so hard they will never be able to heal.”
