Judge cites low intellect and immaturity as to why teen rapists were spared jail

• Two 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old convicted of raping two girls in Fordingbridge were spared jail, receiving non-custodial sentences.
• Judge Nicholas Rowland's full sentencing remarks reveal that the boys' low intellect and immaturity were key factors in his decision.
• The judge cited youth offender guidelines, emphasising that custody should be a 'last resort' and considering the defendants' emotional and developmental ages.
• One 15-year-old was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, while another had an IQ in the bottom 1 per cent and 'extreme neurodevelopmental impairment'.
• The sentences are now being reviewed by the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentences scheme, following public outcry and referral by Sir Keir Starmer.

IN FULL

Two teen rapists spared custody partly because of intellectual limitations, judge says