Hampshire Rape Sentences Reviewed

The Court of Appeal will review the 'unduly lenient' sentences of three teenage boys who avoided prison time for the rape of two schoolgirls in Hampshire.

The initial ruling, in which a judge stated he wanted to 'avoid criminalising the children unnecessarily,' sparked a nationwide public outcry and condemnation from senior political figures.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the case as deeply distressing and emphasized the need for justice for the victims.

The review comes as the government considers broader reforms to how the justice system handles serious crimes committed by minors.