Hampshire schoolboys avoid jail

Three teenage boys who were convicted of raping two schoolgirls in separate incidents in Hampshire have been spared prison sentences.

The judge stated that he wanted to avoid 'criminalising these children unnecessarily' and instead handed down youth rehabilitation orders.

The decision has sparked widespread outrage, with the local police and crime commissioner describing the sentences as 'too lenient.' The boys, aged 14 and 15, had filmed the attacks and shared them on social media, leading to additional charges for the distribution of indecent images.

Advocacy groups for victims of sexual violence have condemned the ruling, stating it fails to provide justice for the survivors or a sufficient deterrent for future offenders.