Rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot has expressed profound shock following a judge's decision to spare three teenage boys imprisonment after they raped two schoolgirls in separate attacks. The two victims, aged 14 and 15 at the time, were assaulted by two 14-year-old boys weeks apart in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. A then-13-year-old was also convicted for his involvement in the second incident.
Despite the horrific nature of the crimes—including a gang rape at knifepoint, filming of the assaults, and one video uploaded to social media—all three offenders received youth rehabilitation orders and were released from court. One of the girls later described the sentence as feeling like a rock straight in her face, questioning the purpose of enduring the trial only to see the perpetrators walk free.
Government Review Underway
The sentences have been referred to the Attorney General for reconsideration under the unduly lenient scheme. Government officials are said to be urgently reviewing the case. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ms Pelicot stated: 'I am deeply shocked that they were able to gain their freedom again when in fact the victims are suffering so hard they will never be able to heal.' She emphasised that rape is a crime and justice must recognise victims' suffering and ensure perpetrators are punished.
Pelicot Praises Victim's Courage
Addressing the victim's interview with Laura Kuenssberg, Ms Pelicot saluted her strength and the difficult decision to speak out. Ms Pelicot, 73, waived her anonymity during her own husband's trial—the most prominent rape case in French history—where Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year sentence for drugging and inviting dozens of men to rape her. She hopes her story encourages other victims to come forward.
Outrage Over Judge's Reasoning
Outrage erupted after Judge Nicholas Rowland spared the boys, all members of the Traveller community, from jail, citing their young age, low intelligence, limited understanding of consent, and susceptibility to peer pressure. He praised their courtroom behaviour and said he did not want to criminalise them. The two older boys received three-year youth rehabilitation orders, and the youngest an 18-month order, along with ten-year restraining orders.
The government received multiple referrals regarding the lenient sentences. Attorney General Lord Hermer has 28 days to decide whether to escalate the case to the Court of Appeal. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the case as appalling, supporting the review. Chief Secretary Darren Jones fought back tears, stating that the girls deserve justice and that boys must know such behaviour is unacceptable.
