A judge’s choice not to incarcerate two adolescent rapists has been forwarded to the Court of Appeal, as confirmed by Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister revealed that the attorney general, Lord Richard Hermer, has reevaluated the non-custodial sentences, causing public outcry. In separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in November 2024 and January 2025, two girls, aged 15 and 14, were victims of rape.
In the initial assault, a 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by two 14-year-old teenagers. The subsequent attack involved three teens, with two of them raping a 14-year-old girl while the others filmed the atrocious acts and threatened the victim with a knife.
Recently, two 15-year-old boys received three-year youth rehabilitation orders with intensive supervision and surveillance, while a 14-year-old boy was given an 18-month youth rehabilitation order. The judge at Southampton Crown Court aimed to avoid unnecessary criminalization of the teenagers. However, one of the victims expressed shock at the leniency of the sentences.
Keir Starmer raised concerns about the sentences, indicating that the Attorney General has the authority to refer cases to the Court of Appeal if the sentences are considered too lenient. He emphasized the distressing nature of the case and the bravery of the girls who came forward.
Lord Hermer commended the bravery of the girls for speaking out and vowed to address the epidemic of violence against women and girls. One of the teenage victims, now 16, expressed disappointment in the sentences and the ordeal of going through the trial process.
Legal expert Charlotte Proudman criticized the justice system for failing to adequately address the harm caused to girls and called for better protection for victims. The sentences were delivered by Judge Nicholas Rowland at Southampton Crown Court, who considered the defendants’ age and likelihood of reoffending.
In response to the victim’s testimony, Keir Starmer acknowledged the bravery displayed and called for an urgent review of the sentences. Former Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve acknowledged the unusual decision by the judge but noted the defendants’ young age as a factor in the sentencing.
The case has sparked debate over the adequacy of the criminal justice system in handling such serious offenses involving juveniles. The attorney general’s review of the matter has been deemed necessary to address public concerns over the leniency of the sentences.
