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Gisèle Pelicot, a French survivor of rape, expressed to the BBC her profound shock that three teenage boys involved in the rape of two girls in Hampshire have been given sentences that do not include custodial detention. The assaults occurred in Fordingbridge, with two girls aged 15 and 14 subjected to separate attacks in November 2024 and January 2025 by two 14-year-old boys, alongside a 13-year-old boy who was also convicted for his role in the second incident.
The judge, Nicholas Rowland, handed down Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs) to the boys, opting against custodial sentences to avoid “criminalising” the very young offenders, a decision now under scrutiny by the Attorney General. Lord Richard Hermer will review the sentences and has up to 28 days to decide whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal. One 15-year-old received a three-year YRO with 180 days of intensive supervision for the two rapes and indecent images charges, while another 15-year-old was handed the same sentence for multiple rape charges and indecent image offenses. The 14-year-old involved was given an 18-month YRO for encouraging the January 2025 attack.
Pelicot, who was at the center of France’s largest rape trial that resulted in her husband receiving a 20-year prison term after repeatedly drugging and allowing men to assault her, voiced strong support for the courage shown by one of the victims who spoke publicly about the attacks. She said, “I really salute her strength and the decision she made, because I know that it’s an incredibly difficult decision.” Pelicot emphasized that justice is vital not only to name and punish such crimes but also to acknowledge the suffering of victims.
The case has also renewed concerns regarding social media’s role, as the perpetrators shared videos of the attacks online. Pelicot urged governments and tech companies to intensify efforts to protect victims from such violations. A government spokesperson expressed shared shock at the case, affirming that law officers are reviewing the matter with grave attention. One victim, now 16, described the sentences as a “slap on the wrist” and questioned why she had gone through the trauma of the trial only to see lenient punishments handed out. Cabinet Minister Darren Jones indicated that he expected a swift decision on the review, emphasizing the urgency of the matter
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