British Prime Minister Refers Sentences of Boys Spared Custody Over Rape to Court of Appeal

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has referred the sentences of two 14-year-old boys convicted of raping two girls to the Court of Appeal, describing the case as “really distressing” and raising “questions about the sentence.” The victims’ families expressed hope that “the correct outcome will prevail” following the referral.

Case Details and Convictions

Two girls, aged 15 and 14 at the time, were raped in separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in November 2024 and January 2025. The perpetrators were two 14-year-old boys, with a third boy, then aged 13, also convicted for his involvement in the second attack. The teenagers collectively received 10 rape convictions but were handed youth rehabilitation orders, allowing them to walk out of court without custodial sentences. One of the attacks occurred in an underpass beside the River Avon.

Prime Minister and Attorney General Statements

Speaking during a visit to East Sussex on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer said the case was “distressing for everybody to see, to hear about” and praised the “courage” of the victims. He added that he found the case “distressing as a politician” and “as a father.” Attorney General Lord Hermer stated there had been “a huge amount of public interest and concern” and said he directed officials to work urgently to allow him to consider the decision swiftly, aiming “to begin to bring closure to the victims and their families.” Lord Hermer noted that the victims’ personal statements showed “immense bravery” and described “an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country.”

Victim and Family Response

The family of one victim told the BBC: “Our hope is that the initial sentence will be overturned and the correct punitive sentence handed out. We also hope that moving forward it serves as a message to judges, be sure the sentence fits the crime… no excuses.” In a subsequent statement, the family said: “This is not just for our child, but for every other victim that has had to face such a heinous crime… Hopefully, the correct outcome will prevail and this sends a message to any perpetrator. It’s not OK and due justice will be served.” One victim, speaking anonymously alongside her family, described the judge’s decision to spare the boys jail terms as a “rock straight in my face.”

Context

The case echoes other instances of judicial review in the United Kingdom concerning sentences for juvenile offenders convicted of serious sexual assaults. In 2023, the Court of Appeal increased sentences for a group of teenage boys convicted of gang rape in a separate case, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of how courts balance rehabilitation with punitive measures for minors.