THE cases of three teenage boys spared jail for rape have been referred to the Court of Appeal following a review under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.

The two 15-year-olds received non-custodial sentences at Southampton Crown Court last week for raping two girls in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, one in in November 2024 and the other in January last year. 

A third boy, aged 14, received a separate non-custodial sentence after being convicted of two charges of rape.

Judge Nicholas Rowland said he wanted to “avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily,” adding that “peer pressure played a large part in what went on.”

The ruling provoked a public outcry. 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said today that he found the case “distressing as a politician” and “as a father,” as he confirmed that Attorney General Lord Hermer had exercised his power to refer the sentences for review.

One of the victims, now 16, told the BBC that the boys’ sentences “hit like a rock straight in my face.” 

Prosecutors said her rape was filmed, with the ideos later shared and used to mock her. 

The girl said she “wanted to die” after receiving abusive messages, including being called a “slag.”

The two 15-year-olds were each handed three-year youth rehabilitation orders, with 180 days of intensive supervision and surveillance. 

The 14-year-old received an 18-month order.

Lord Hermer said the girls had “displayed immense bravery in coming forward,” adding: “There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest, and concern, at this horrific case.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones described the sentences for such “despicable” offences as “clearly unduly lenient,” saying: “It is absolutely right these sentences are reviewed.”