Two teenage boys were sentenced to youth rehabilitation orders rather than prison for raping two schoolgirls in separate attacks in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, prompting widespread public outcry and calls for a review of the sentences.

The offenses, committed in November 2024 and January 2025, involved two 15-year-olds who assaulted the victims—one in an underpass and the other in a field—while filming themselves. A third boy, aged 14 at the time, was convicted for his role in the second attack, which was carried out at knifepoint. All three boys received youth rehabilitation orders (YRO) with intensive supervision and surveillance, ranging from 18 months to three years.

During sentencing at Southampton Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Rowland acknowledged the serious nature of the crimes and the aggravating factor of filming the assaults. However, he emphasized the defendants’ youth, cognitive limitations—including diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, and mild cognitive impairment—and stated a desire to avoid "criminalising these children unnecessarily" while supporting their reintegration into society. The judge also praised the boys' conduct during the trial and referred to the role of peer pressure.

One victim, who was 15 at the time of her assault and spoke anonymously alongside her family in a BBC interview, expressed deep distress over the outcome. She described the judge’s decision as like "a rock straight in my face" and questioned the purpose of enduring the trial if the perpetrators would not face custody. The victim said the sentencing almost implied that while their actions were wrong, they were nevertheless deemed acceptable by the law because the boys were still children.

The victim’s mother appealed for the prime minister’s intervention, urging authorities to reconsider the sentences. The mother’s partner called the rulings a failure of justice, saying it appeared the victims had suffered while the perpetrators had escaped appropriate punishment.

Senior politicians from across the political spectrum voiced their condemnation of the sentences. Sir Keir Starmer described the case as "appalling" and endorsed an urgent review by law officers. Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, who became visibly emotional following the victim’s testimony, said the girls "deserve justice" and indicated the government aimed to expedite the Attorney General’s review of the sentences. Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer has 28 days from sentencing to decide whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentences scheme, though officials hope to act sooner.

Opposition politicians and commentators have criticised the judge’s focus on the defendants’ futures rather than the victims’ right to justice. Tory safeguarding spokesman Alicia Kearns characterized the sentencing approach as morally corrupt, while Reform UK’s Treasury spokesperson called for custodial sentences for the offenders, arguing that serious crimes like rape must be met with imprisonment regardless of youth.

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones stated that a custodial sentence would have been appropriate given the gravity of the offenses and expressed concern over the judge’s commendation of the defendants’ behaviour during trial proceedings.

A government spokesperson said the Attorney General's office has received multiple requests to review the sentences and shared the public’s shock. Thoughts remain with the victims as officials carefully assess the case. The children’s commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has also supported calls for a Court of Appeal reconsideration, highlighting the serious and premeditated nature of the crimes.

The case has sparked debate about how the justice system balances the rehabilitation of young offenders with the need to deliver justice for victims of sexual violence.