Two 15-year-old boys who avoided jail after being found guilty of raping two girls will have their sentences reviewed by the Court of Appeal in July. The decision comes after widespread backlash against the original non-custodial sentences handed down by a judge at Southampton Crown Court.
Case Details
The two 15-year-olds were given non-custodial sentences for raping two girls in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. The judge stated he wanted to “avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily.” A third boy, aged 14, was also convicted for involvement in the second attack and for an indecent images offence.
Government Response
Sir Keir Starmer previously announced that the “distressing” case would be referred to the Court of Appeal under the unduly lenient scheme. The sentences will now be considered by senior judges at a two-day hearing starting on July 1.
This is a breaking news story. Stay updated for further developments.
