Rape case in which two teenage boys spared jail 'appalling', PM says

Keir Starmer has said a rape case in which two teenage boys were spared jail is "appalling" and it is "right that law officers are urgently reviewing the sentences".

In a social media post responding to the interview with one of the victims, he said: "This is a harrowing and brave testimony.

"The girls at the heart of this case have shown extraordinary bravery and strength in heinous circumstances.

"This is an appalling case and it is right that law officers are urgently reviewing the sentences."

Two girls were raped in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, by two 15-year-olds who were given non-custodial sentences at Southampton Crown Court where a judge said he wanted to "avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily".

Both boys were given youth rehabilitation orders (YRO) and were made subject to intensive supervision and surveillance (ISS).

There has been a public outcry over the sentences.

One of the victims told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme: "The words hit like a rock straight in my face.

"He (the judge) almost made it seem as if what they boys did was not OK, but it was OK in the eyes of the law because they were still children."

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