The Court of Appeal is currently reviewing the sentences handed to three boys who were convicted of raping two teenage girls in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. Attorney General Lord Hermer referred the community-based sentences to the court, arguing they were unduly lenient. Representing the Attorney General, Tom Little KC contended that the severity of the crimes necessitated detention rather than the community orders granted by Judge Nicholas Rowland at Southampton Crown Court.
The three offenders, identified only as X, Y, and Z to protect their anonymity, committed ten rape offences between them while aged 13 and 14. X and Y received three-year Youth Rehabilitation Orders, while the third boy was given an 18-month order. Defence lawyers argued that the judge correctly prioritized rehabilitation and the prevention of future crimes over custody, noting that detention should be a last resort for minors.
During the hearing, Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr questioned the Crown Prosecution Service regarding an inaccurate press release that incorrectly suggested a knife was involved in the assaults. The victims have expressed significant distress regarding the original sentences, with one girl describing the outcome as insufficient. The appellate judges are expected to deliver their decision via videolink at Southampton Crown Court.
