Attorney General Reviews Fordingbridge Teenage Rape Sentences After Public Condemnation
The Attorney General's office has initiated a review of sentences issued to three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls in separate incidents in Fordingbridge. The boys, two aged 15 and one 14, received youth rehabilitation orders rather than custodial sentences, despite 10 rape convictions between them. The attacks, which occurred in 2024 and 2025, involved the perpetrators filming the assaults and subsequently sharing some footage online.
A government spokesperson confirmed receipt of "multiple" requests for a review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. They stated that law officers are "urgently reviewing the case with the utmost care and attention," with a 28-day window to decide whether to refer the matter to the Court of Appeal.
Former Home Office minister Jess Phillips condemned the sentences as "unduly lenient," highlighting the victims' arduous path to justice and the damaging message sent by the court's decision. Phillips, who previously served as minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, suggested social media's influence was a factor, noting that the young people appeared to be "raping for content."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the sentences "a disgrace," while Shadow Justice Minister Dr Kieran Mullan stated, "It cannot be right that teenage boys can commit brutal crimes of rape like this and avoid prison entirely."
Former Old Bailey criminal judge Wendy Joseph remarked that an adult committing similar crimes, considering the victims' ages, presence of a knife, and filming, would typically face a sentence of "15 years plus." She explained that judges significantly reduce sentences for children, though this particular judge prioritised rehabilitation over punishment, aligning with the legal principle that children's welfare takes precedence.
The boys, who remain unnamed due to their age, denied the charges but were found guilty in March at Southampton Crown Court. Judge Nicholas Rowland, explaining his sentencing on Thursday, emphasised the "seriousness" of the crimes, particularly the filming, but sought to avoid "criminalising" the "very young" boys.
One victim, 15 at the time, was raped three times in an underpass after meeting one boy via Snapchat. The other, then 14, was repeatedly raped in a field after meeting the boys at Fordingbridge Recreation Ground. Court evidence included video footage showing one victim motionless and receiving derogatory messages online. Both victims shared impact statements detailing nightmares, shame, and a profound struggle with their experiences.
Phillips reiterated the importance of rehabilitation but argued it should occur within a youth custodial setting. She criticised social media companies for their role in fostering misogyny among young men, stating that "very little" has been done to address the effects of violent pornography on young people, with the victims in this case ultimately "paying the price."
