Boys convicted of rape get non-custodial sentences as judge says they should not be criminalised unnecessarily
Three teenage boys convicted of serious sexual offences against two girls received non-custodial sentences from a judge who emphasized the need for their reintegration into society. The boys, aged 13 to 14 at the time of the crimes, were sentenced to youth rehabilitation orders despite the serious nature of their actions, which included filming the assaults. The judge highlighted their young age, low intelligence, and the influence of peer pressure in his decision.
- ▪The boys were convicted of knife-point rape and other serious sexual offences against two teenage girls.
- ▪They received youth rehabilitation orders ranging from 18 months to three years instead of custodial sentences.
- ▪The judge noted their young age and low intelligence as factors in avoiding criminalization.
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The judge, sitting at Southampton crown court, stressed that the boys’ crimes were serious but said he hoped they could be reintegrated into society. Photograph: Britpix/AlamyView image in fullscreenThe judge, sitting at Southampton crown court, stressed that the boys’ crimes were serious but said he hoped they could be reintegrated into society. Photograph: Britpix/AlamyUK newsBoys convicted of rape get non-custodial sentences as judge says they should not be criminalised unnecessarilyBoys physically overpowered and then filmed attacks on teenage victims in separate incidents in HampshireDonna FergusonThu 21 May 2026 14.34 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThree teenage boys convicted of knife-point rape and other serious sexual offences against two teenage girls in Hampshire have not…
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