The Court of Appeal will review the non-custodial sentences given to three teenage boys for the rape of two girls, Attorney General Keir Starmer has announced. The boys, aged 14 and 15 at sentencing, received youth rehabilitation orders after a judge said he wanted to avoid criminalising them unnecessarily.
The decision sparked public outcry, with former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips calling the sentences unduly lenient. One victim said the outcome felt like a 'rock straight in my face'. The Attorney General's office received multiple complaints under the unduly lenient sentences scheme.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the referral, stating: 'There are questions about the sentence. The Attorney General has now exercised that power to refer the case to the Court of Appeal, and that is clearly the right outcome.' He described the case as 'really distressing' and praised the victims' courage.
The sentences relate to two separate attacks in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. In November 2024, a 15-year-old girl was raped by two 14-year-old boys. In January last year, the three boys threatened a 14-year-old girl with a knife, with two taking turns raping her while the others filmed. The boys were sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on 21 May.
Attorney General Richard Hermer KC said: 'There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this government will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system.' The victims have been informed of the referral.
