The government has launched a formal review into the sentences given to three teenage boys convicted of raping two young girls in separate incidents in Hampshire. The decision follows widespread criticism that the punishments were too lenient given the seriousness of the crimes.
The boys, aged 15, 15, and 14, were not sent to custody. Instead, they received youth rehabilitation orders despite being found guilty of multiple rape charges linked to two attacks in Fordingbridge during 2024 and 2025.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the attorney general and solicitor general are now urgently reviewing the case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. They will decide within 28 days whether to refer it to the Court of Appeal for reconsideration.
Details of the Case
The court heard that the first victim, aged 15, was attacked three times in an underpass near the River Avon. She had met one of the boys through Snapchat before traveling to see him in person. Two other boys then joined the encounter.
Judge’s Reasoning and Public Reaction
However, he also described the crimes as extremely serious and highlighted that filming the assaults made the offences worse.
The decision not to impose custodial sentences has triggered strong political and public reaction.
Former minister Jess Phillips said the outcome sends a harmful message to victims and questioned the leniency of the decision. She also pointed to concerns about social media influence on teenage boys and how it may encourage harmful behavior.
Opposition figures also criticized the ruling, calling it unacceptable that such serious offences did not result in detention.
