UK Officials Launch Review of Youth Sentences in Hampshire Sexual Assault Case

Three boys aged between 13 and 14 at the time sexually assaulted two teenage girls and filmed the attacks while laughing, according to evidence presented at Southampton Crown Court. The first incident occurred on November 26, 2024, and the second on January 17, 2025, after which the footage was shared online.

The two older boys were sentenced to three-year youth rehabilitation orders along with 180 days of intensive surveillance and supervision. The judge stated the boys were very young, had low intelligence, and that the court should avoid criminalising children unnecessarily while supporting their reintegration into society.

A government spokesman said the Attorney General’s office had received multiple requests for the sentences to be reviewed under the unduly lenient scheme. Officials stated they share public shock at the case details and that law officers are reviewing the matter with care.

The Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister told the BBC that the victims and their families deserve justice and that other boys need to know such behaviour will not be tolerated. The Attorney General has until June 18 to refer the case to the Court of Appeal.

Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan and safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns referred the sentences to Lord Hermer, arguing the penalties failed to reflect the gravity of the offences or maintain public confidence in the justice system.