- Gisèle Pelicot, a French rape survivor, said she is “deeply shocked” that three teenage boys avoided jail sentences for raping two young girls in Hampshire.
- The victims, then aged 15 and 14, were raped in two separate incidents in Fordingbridge by two 15-year-olds, with a third 14-year-old charged with encouraging one defendant.
- The judge issued youth rehabilitation orders, stating a desire to avoid “criminalising” the “very young” boys, a decision one victim described as “a rock straight in my face”.
- The case has been referred to the Court of Appeal for review under the unduly lenient scheme by Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer.
- Political figures, including Sir Keir Starmer and the Prime Minister, have condemned the sentences, emphasising the need for justice and the bravery of the victims.
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