Two teenagers who raped two 14-year-old girls have been fined just £26 each, sparking widespread outrage. The case, heard at a youth court, has drawn criticism from campaigners who argue the punishment is far too lenient for such a serious crime.
The offenders, who cannot be named due to their age, were convicted of raping the girls in separate incidents. Despite the severity of the offences, the court imposed fines of £26, along with a referral order requiring them to attend a youth offender panel.
Victims' advocates have condemned the sentence, calling it a 'slap on the wrist' that fails to reflect the trauma inflicted on the victims. The Crown Prosecution Service has faced questions over whether the case should have been dealt with in a higher court, where harsher penalties are available.
The case has reignited debate about how the justice system handles sexual offences committed by minors, with some calling for mandatory minimum sentences for rape regardless of the perpetrator's age.
