Why were three teen rapists not given custodial sentences?

Why were three teen rapists not given custodial sentences?

From The Law Show by BBC Radio 4

June 3, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the controversial non-custodial sentences given to three teenage rapists and the implications of youth sentencing laws.

Note: this episode contains frequent references to rape, sexual assault and physical assault. There's been public confusion and outrage over the sentences given to three teenage boys, who were convicted of rape. In November 2024 and January 2025, two girls, then aged 15 and 14, were attacked in separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, by two 14-year-olds. Another boy, then 13, was also convicted for his involvement in the second rape. The teenage boys were given youth rehabilitation orders and walked out of court with 10 rape convictions between them. The Prime Minister says the case will be referred to the Court of Appeal. He described the case as distressing and said "there are questions about the sentence". One of the girls who was raped told the BBC that the judge's decision was like a "rock straight in my face". So what are the likely reasons why the three teenage boys were given non-custodial sentences? What is the guidance around youth sentencing, and what are youth rehabilitation orders? How do youth courts - and youth custody - work, and how does the system differ from the adult courts in England and Wales? And does the adversarial nature of our criminal justice…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Joelle Grogan

Guests: Kirsty Brimelow KC, Dr Charlotte Proudman

Topics covered

  • youth sentencing
  • rape
  • criminal justice system
  • rehabilitation orders
  • victim trauma
  • court system

Keywords

  • teen rapists
  • custodial sentences
  • youth rehabilitation orders
  • court of appeal
  • victim impact
  • England and Wales
  • adversarial system

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC

Places: Fordingbridge, Hampshire

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