A teenage girl who was raped by two boys has spoken out about her profound disappointment with the court's decision to spare her attackers jail time. The victim, who was 15 at the time of the attack and spoke anonymously, told the BBC that the judge's ruling made it seem as though the boys' actions were not entirely unacceptable because they were minors.

The attorney general's office has announced it will review the sentence handed down by Judge Nicholas Rowland. On Thursday, the judge stated his intention to avoid criminalizing the "very young boys" involved in the case.

Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, the victim articulated her feelings of disillusionment. "Why did I put myself through the pain of going to court, going through a trial, reliving everything... It sort of gave me the sense of what's the point?" she questioned, highlighting the emotional toll the legal process took on her.

Her family also expressed their dismay, with the girl's mother describing the judge's decision as feeling like "a rock in my face." She added that it was "not justice" and that the outcome was "not fair."

The sentencing has sparked wider debate about how the justice system handles cases involving young offenders and victims. Critics argue that such sentences can undermine a victim's sense of justice and may not adequately reflect the severity of the crime.

Legal experts suggest that while judges must consider the age and circumstances of young offenders, the impact on victims remains a crucial element in sentencing. The review by the attorney general's office will examine whether the sentence was unduly lenient, potentially leading to a reconsideration of the outcome.

This case brings into sharp focus the complex challenges of balancing rehabilitation for young offenders with the need for accountability and justice for victims of serious crimes.

Further details on the attorney general's review and any potential outcomes are expected in the coming weeks.