Sentences for boys who were spared custody over the rape of two girls in Hampshire will be referred to the Court of Appeal, the prime minister has announced. The attorney general has exercised their power to refer the case to the higher court, a move described by Sir Keir Starmer as "clearly the right outcome."

Two girls, then aged 15 and 14, were victims of separate attacks in Fordingbridge in November 2024 and January 2025. The perpetrators were two 14-year-old boys, and another 13-year-old boy was convicted for his involvement in the second attack. Between them, the teenagers accumulated 10 rape convictions but were given youth rehabilitation orders (YROs) instead of custodial sentences.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the case as "really distressing" and expressed sympathy for the victims, praising their courage. He stated that he found the case distressing both as a politician and as a father. The attorney general, Lord Hemer, acknowledged the significant public concern surrounding the "horrific case" and emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the "epidemic of violence against women and girls."

The referral to the Court of Appeal means the original sentences could be increased. This process allows the court to review the leniency of sentences and potentially impose a harsher penalty. The attorney general's intervention highlights the sensitivity and public scrutiny surrounding the case.

One of the victims told the BBC that the judge's decision to spare the boys jail felt like "a rock straight in my face." She expressed that the outcome made it seem as though the boys' actions, while not condoned, were permissible in the eyes of the law due to their age. Her family corroborated her feelings, underscoring the emotional impact of the sentencing.

Lord Hemer stated that he directed officials to work "urgently" to facilitate a swift decision, aiming to bring "closure to the victims and their families." He reiterated that the government "will not hesitate in taking action" to ensure women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system. The powerful personal statements from the victims were highlighted as demonstrating "immense bravery."

The referral to the Court of Appeal is a significant step, reflecting the gravity with which the case is being treated by the government and the justice system. It comes amid ongoing national discussions about the adequacy of sentences for serious offenses, particularly those involving young offenders and violence against women and girls.

Questions remain about the specific legal considerations that led to the initial sentencing and how the Court of Appeal will interpret these in light of the referral. The outcome of the appeal could set a precedent for similar cases in the future, influencing how youth rehabilitation orders are applied in instances of severe sexual offenses.