Fordingbridge rape sentences to be reviewed following outcry - Attorney General confirms

The sentences of all three boys convicted in the Fordingbridge rape case are being referred to the Court of Appeal under the unduly lenient sentence scheme, the Attorney General's office has confirmed.

Two of the three boys, both aged 15 were given youth rehabilitation orders (YRO) and made subject to intensive supervision and surveillance (ISS) after two girls were raped in the Hampshire town. The first attack took place on November 26, 2024 and the second on January 17, 2025.

A third boy, 14, was given a YRO for 18 months for two charges of rape in the January incident by encouraging the second defendant and an offence of indecent images.

One of the victims spoke with BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme at the weekend describing the boys’ sentence as “like a rock straight to my face”. There has been much public outcry to the decision to spare the boys jail with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police & Crime Commissioner Donna Jones calling the case “alarming”.

The decision has now been taken to send the case to the Court of Appeal. Attorney General Lord Hermer said: "There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest and concern at this horrific case. I directed my officials to work urgently to allow me to consider this decision swiftly, and to begin to bring closure to the victims and their families.

"It is clear to me from their powerful personal statements that these girls have displayed immense bravery in coming forward.

"There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this Government will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system."

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Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Sunday, Donna Jones said: "What is really alarming is the judge's comments praising these three young males for their good conduct from the charge up to the point of their sentence. But let's not forget, these were not guilty pleas that were entered.

"This is three males who put their victims through the trial and the ordeal of having to re-live all of that. That has really added to the burden for those two survivors."

She added: "These are not low-level offences. They are some of the worst offences you can do to another human being. The police often refer to rape as the worst offence you can survive... and the victims will have to live with the consequences of this for the rest of their lives.

"That's why (a custodial sentence) is appropriate, for the protection of others and so (the culprits) can get that support in prison. They should be sent to youth offending."

Further details on the case can be found here.