Judge lets three boy rapist go free with no jail time

[ThreadGuardDog]

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/24/uk-judge-decision-rape-girls-hampshire

The judge said he wanted to avoid the boys attracting a criminal record so early in life. Is it so unreasonable to think that they should have thought of that before they committed the crime ? Rape/sexual assault, is up 10% according to national statistics. With sentences like these, reflecting the clear misogyny within the judiciary , is it any wonder ?

Thoughts ?

I can't find a word to describe how wrong this is.

It’s disgusting, he even praised them for having to go through a court case.

If that horrid little AG doesn’t do something about this, we know what he is too.

I’ve been reading it absolutely appalling 😡😡

I read it as the victims being the ones praised for going through the court process.

It is almost certain that this case will be reviewed (the government has intervened) and a new sentence imposed. I cannot understand what the judge was thinking of (clearly not the victims).

No, he praised the rapists:

Donna Jones, Hampshire police and crime commissioner, told the BBC that a custodial sentence would have been appropriate. She said: “What is really alarming is the judge’s comments praising these three young males for their good conduct from the charge up to the point of their sentence. But let’s not forget, these were not guilty pleas that were entered.”

I really hope that this travesty is a tipping point - for too long there have been no - small consequences for sex crimes. Absolutely disgusting. Let's have severe consequences, that might have an impact. Until then fck all will change.

I think there should be female only judges for male to female rape. Male judges can hear male/male rape cases. The male judges in female rape cases just do not have the life experience of women in such cases. Just my 2c.

Of course there are no guarantees that a female judge would be better as such, but there is more of a chance that she would empathise and understand more than a male judge would. IMO.

It’s disgraceful

I woke up to the news this morning and I can’t find the words either. How on earth a judge can put the welfare of these three animals before justice for their victims is absolutely beyond me. They not only raped these two schoolgirls but they forced each of them to commit degrading acts. It must have been utterly terrifying for them both, and to my mind the judge hasn’t considered their suffering at all, never mind equally, as the law dictates. He also praised them for their good behaviour during the trial - so brownie points then for good behaviour. Utterly unbelievable.

Very long thread on this on Friday. Appalling.

So, so wrong 😢

No, he praised the boys for their good behaviour during the trial. Beggars belief.

I’ve seen online on the gov website that it has been referred by so many people now it now says not to apply again as it’s already been noted.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5532716-aibu-to-think-these-boys-should-have-been-incarcerated

Yeah - apologies, I didn’t think to look and see if anyone else had started a thread on this. Was just looking for an outlet for my outrage.

I'd be very surprised if this was their first sexual assault so I don't believe they can be 'rehabilitated.' They must be laughing their socks off having got away with it.

Not at all. I agree with your outrage. I think maybe Laura Kuennsberg (sp) is interviewing one of thd victims.

Personally, I think the judge should be considering their position.
If the AG does not intervene what little faith I have in English justice will disappear entirely.

I’d like to put this judge on trial, gross dereliction of duty and clearly as misogynistic as it’s possible to be. I think he’s guilty of a hate crime against those girls.

I can’t find the words for how awful this is, and everything it reflects. I actually feel hopeless.

I think the Judge should also be reprimanded and should never ever be able to have a case of this nature ever again. Surely there must be some accountability for the decision and his horrific comments.

Unfortunately the sentencing was within guidelines just about. But I’m fairly confident it will be reviewed with custodial order for the 2 that were more ringleaders.

I do think empathy with the victims plays a part, but a clear application of the actual law is what’s needed. The sentences passed down for rape in the UK are already laughable. In the USA thirty year sentences are the norm for the kind of acts these three animals committed. It’s about time we had something comparable.

That judge needs his devices checking.