Rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot has expressed her profound shock after three teenage boys received non-custodial sentences for raping two young girls in Hampshire. The 73-year-old Frenchwoman, who bravely testified against her husband Dominique Pelicot in a case that horrified the world, praised the courage of one victim who came forward.
Sentences criticised as too lenient
The boys, aged 14 and 15 at the time of the offences, were given youth rehabilitation orders. The judge stated he wanted to avoid 'criminalising' the 'very young' defendants. One victim told the BBC: 'The words hit like a rock straight in my face. He (the judge) almost 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.'
Pelicot's reaction
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ms Pelicot said: 'I am deeply shocked that these individuals were in fact able to gain their freedom again when in fact the victims are suffering so hard they will never be able to heal.' She added that she hoped her own story helped the victim decide to speak out, stating: 'I really salute her strength and the decision she made, because I know that it's an incredibly difficult decision.'
Political response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the case as 'appalling' and confirmed that the sentences are being urgently reviewed. In a post on X, he said: 'This is a harrowing and brave testimony. The girls at the heart of this case have shown extraordinary bravery and strength in heinous circumstances.' Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, told the BBC: 'Those girls deserve justice, as do their families. Other boys need to know that they can't behave in that way and get away with it.'
Legal process
Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer has 28 days from the sentencing hearing, until June 18, to refer the case to the Court of Appeal under the unduly lenient scheme. However, Mr Jones indicated a decision would be made more quickly. Labour MP Anna Turley said she was 'shocked' by the sentences and that it was 'absolutely right' they were being reviewed.
Details of the attacks
Prosecutor Jodie Mittel KC told the trial that one victim, aged 15, met one of the defendants on Snapchat in November 2024. After performing sex acts on the 14-year-old boy, she became 'scared and anxious' when a second defendant arrived. The pair then raped her while filming the incident. Afterwards, videos were shared, and the girl received abusive messages calling her a 'slag'. She told the BBC she 'wanted to die'. The second victim, aged 14, was raped in a field near Fordingbridge recreation ground in January 2025, also filmed.
