A decision made by a judge to not incarcerate two teenage rapists has been escalated to the Court of Appeal, as revealed by Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister mentioned that the attorney general, Lord Richard Hermer, has reassessed the sentences that did not involve imprisonment, leading to public outrage. In two separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, one 15-year-old and another 14-year-old girl were sexually assaulted in November 2024 and January 2025.
During the initial incident, two 14-year-old teenagers raped a 15-year-old girl. In the subsequent attack, three teens, one of them armed with a knife, menaced the 14-year-old victim. While two of the assailants sexually assaulted the young girl, the others goaded them on and recorded the abhorrent acts.
Recently, two 15-year-old boys were handed three-year youth rehabilitation orders, subjected to intense supervision and surveillance (ISS). Additionally, a 14-year-old boy received an 18-month youth rehabilitation order.
The judge at Southampton Crown Court expressed a desire to avoid unjustly criminalizing these minors. In response to the decision not to imprison the rapists, one victim lamented to the BBC that it felt like a sudden shock.
Starmer remarked, “There are concerns regarding the sentencing. The Attorney General holds the authority to refer a case to the Court of Appeal if deeming the sentence too lenient.” He further announced that the case would now proceed to the Court of Appeal, which he deemed the appropriate course of action.
Expressing his dismay, Starmer added, “This is an extremely distressing case. The bravery displayed by the girls in coming forward is truly humbling but distressing.”
The Court of Appeal will deliberate on whether the sentences were unduly lenient. Lord Hermer acknowledged the immense courage exhibited by the girls in coming forward, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combatting violence against women and girls.
One of the teenage victims, now 16, expressed a desire for a change in the boys’ sentencing. Noted barrister Charlotte Proudman criticized the criminal justice system’s failure to adequately address violence against women and girls, emphasizing the need to prioritize the well-being of victims over the perpetrators.
The sentences were imposed by Judge Nicholas Rowland at Southampton Crown Court, who considered the defendants’ age and the likelihood of them reoffending when delivering the sentences.
In response to the victim’s interview, Starmer stated, “This is a harrowing and courageous testimony.” He applauded the bravery and strength exhibited by the girls in challenging circumstances and endorsed the urgent review of the sentences by legal authorities.
Former Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve acknowledged the judge’s uncommon decision given the gravity of the offense but highlighted the defendants’ young age as a factor. Grieve emphasized the public’s right to request the attorney general to review such matters.