Gisele Pelicot deeply shocked' by decision not to jail boys in Hampshire rape case

A 73-year-old French woman testified against her husband after he repeatedly drugged her and invited dozens of men to rape her. She said she was deeply shocked that three teenage boys avoided jail sentences after raping two young girls in Hampshire. The victims were 15 and 14, and the rapes occurred in two separate incidents in Fordingbridge. Two 15-year-olds raped the girls, and a third 14-year-old was charged with encouraging one defendant. The boys received youth rehabilitation order sentences because the judge aimed to avoid criminalising very young offenders. The case was referred to the Court of Appeal after a review under the unduly lenient scheme. The victims and political leaders called the outcome appalling and emphasized the girls’ bravery and suffering.

"The victims, then aged 15 and 14, were raped in two separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, by two 15-year-olds, while a third 14-year-old was charged with encouraging one of the other defendants. The three teenage boys received youth rehabilitation order sentences, after the judge said he wanted to avoid criminalising the very young boys. Their case has now been referred to the Court of Appeal after a review under the unduly lenient scheme."

"One of their 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 the boys did was not OK, but it was OK in the eyes of the law because they were still children."

"Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ms Pelicot said she was "deeply shocked that these individuals were in fact able to gain their freedom again when in fact the victims are suffering so hard they will never be able to heal". She added she hoped her own story "was useful for her to make that decision" to come forward."

"Sir Keir Starmer said it is right that their sentences are being urgently reviewed, and described it as an appalling case. In a post on X after the victim's BBC interview, the prime minister 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."

Read at www.independent.co.uk