PCC welcomes Attorney General decision regarding Hampshire rape case
26 May 2026
Attorney General Lord Hermer said there is “an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country”, as he confirmed the sentences against all three boys in the Fordingbridge rape case will be referred to the Court of Appeal under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.
Two girls, then aged 15 and 14, were raped in separate incidents in Fordingbridge in November 2024 and January 2025, by two 14-year-olds. Another boy, then 13, was also convicted for his involvement in the second attack.
The teenagers were given youth rehabilitation orders (YRO) and walked out of court with 10 rape convictions between them.
PCC Donna Jones said: “I welcome the Attorney General’s decision to refer the sentences of the three teenage boys convicted of numerous counts of rape in the New Forest against two 15-year-old girls to the Court of Appeal.
“Youth rehabilitation orders for such despicable crimes are clearly unduly lenient.
“That is evident in the national reaction to this case.
“It is absolutely right these sentences are reviewed.
“I want to place on record my thanks to the two victims and their families for speaking out to kick start this vital process.
“I will do everything I can to continue to support them.”