Keir Starmer says case of two girls raped by teenagers spared jail 'appalling' as sentences undergo urgent review

Sir Keir Starmer said the rape case which saw two teenage boys who raped two girls spared jail was “appalling”, and it was “right that law officers are urgently reviewing the sentences”.

The Prime Minister's comments come as Labour launched an urgent review after the attackers avoided jail.

Three boys, aged between 13 and 14 at the time, sexually assaulted two teenage girls and "laughed" while filming the attacks.

They then shared the content online, Southampton Crown Court heard, with the first attack taking place on November 26, 2024 and the second on January 17, 2025.

The two older boys were handed three-year youth rehabilitation orders and 180 days of intensive surveillance and supervision.

In a social media post responding to an interview with one of the victims, Sir Keir 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.

“This is an appalling case and it is right that law officers are urgently reviewing the sentences.”

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