Three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls will undergo a sentence review by the Court of Appeal in July. The incident occurred in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. The judge at Southampton Crown Court opted for non-custodial sentences for two 15-year-olds to avoid unnecessary criminalization. Another boy, aged 14, was also involved in the second attack and an indecent images offense.
The decision to review the sentences came after an announcement by Sir Keir Starmer. The Court of Appeal will examine the case under the unduly lenient scheme during a two-day hearing starting on July 1. Attorney General Lord Hermer highlighted the prevalence of violence against women and girls in the country and commended the bravery of the victims for coming forward.
The first 15-year-old received a three-year youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision for the rape of two girls and possession of indecent images. The second 15-year-old was handed a similar sentence for multiple rape charges and taking indecent images related to the incidents. The third boy, aged 14 at the time, was given an 18-month youth rehabilitation order for his involvement in the second attack and an indecent images offense.
During sentencing, Judge Nicholas Rowland stated that the severity of the offenses justified a custodial sentence. He considered the age and developmental stage of the offenders and emphasized that custody should be a last resort for youth offenders. Despite being assessed as medium risk for reoffending, the court took into account the defendants’ backgrounds, including ADHD, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental impairments.
The judge’s decision to review the sentences reflects the complex considerations involved in balancing justice with rehabilitation for young offenders.