Court of Appeal Raises Two 15-Year-Old Boys' Rape Sentences to Four Years Each

The Court of Appeal increased the sentences of two 15-year-old boys convicted of rape to four years' detention each. The boys, referred to in court as X and Y, had initially received non-custodial sentences for the rape of two girls in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. The court ruled the original sentences unduly lenient.

The hearing occurred after more than 18 months from the first sentencing. Dr Charlotte Proudman, barrister for one victim referred to as C1, read a statement outside the Courts of Justice on behalf of the victim's family. The family said they welcomed the judgment and that justice had finally been done after more than 18 months.

“Our family and those closest to us have lived through a nightmare, a nightmare that no family should ever have to endure… the emotional toll has been immeasurable,” the statement continued. Dr Proudman said one case cannot change a system but added that the opportunity to put victims at the centre cannot be wasted. She called C1 a hero.