Court Increases Sentences for Two Teenagers Convicted of Rape

The Court of Appeal on Thursday sentenced two boys, identified only as X and Y, to four years’ detention each after finding their earlier non-custodial sentences unduly lenient. The boys, who were 14 at the time of the first offense, had been convicted of raping a girl in Fordingbridge in November 2024 and a second girl in January 2025.

The family of the first victim, referred to as Jazmine, stated that the longer sentences do not reduce the fear she continues to feel. They said she remains overwhelmed and has not yet processed the outcome, adding that she knows the boys are in custody but does not feel safer in her local area.

A judge at Southampton Crown Court had imposed non-custodial sentences in May. The Attorney General referred the case to the Court of Appeal, which found the original sentences too lenient for the seriousness of the offenses. The court also reviewed the sentence given to a third boy, identified as Z, who was 13 at the time of the second offense.

His 18-month youth rehabilitation order was upheld as appropriate.

In a personal statement submitted to the court, Jazmine described feeling invisible after the May hearing and said she no longer feels she belongs at school, outside, or in her own body. Her parents said the sentence will never be enough and questioned why the two rapes were not treated as consecutive offenses.

The family said their focus is now on survival and rebuilding, and they continue to develop a foundation to support other survivors of sexual violence. They urged the convicted boys to use their time in detention for rehabilitation.