A police and crime commissioner has criticized a court’s ‘lenient’ decision as three teenage boys were not sentenced to prison for raping two girls and recording the assaults.
Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, expressed her worry over the boys’ ability to commit such “frightening acts” without facing incarceration.
During the trial at Southampton Crown Court, it was revealed that two girls were raped in separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. The assaults took place on November 26, 2024, and January 17, 2025. The three boys, two aged 15 and one aged 14, received youth rehabilitation orders (YRO). The two older boys were also put under intensive supervision and surveillance (ISS) but were not imprisoned.
Ms. Jones stated she would back the victims’ families if they decided to challenge the sentences due to their perceived leniency. She emphasized the importance of educating young people on sexual violence and misogynistic behaviors to prevent such crimes.
The court sentenced a 15-year-old boy to a three-year YRO with 180 days of ISS for each rape and two indecent image charges. Another 15-year-old received the same sentence for three rape charges against each victim and four indecent image counts related to filming the incidents. The third boy, aged 14, was handed an 18-month YRO for his involvement in the January incident.
Judge Nicholas Rowland highlighted the boys’ young age and the need for rehabilitation over harsh punishment. He recognized the impact on the victims and commended their bravery in providing statements and testifying.
The defendants were also subjected to a three-month curfew and a 10-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the victims. Siobhan Blake, from the Crown Prosecution Service, emphasized the importance of educating young people on consent and addressing harmful attitudes to prevent such crimes in the future.