STORY
Gisèle Pelicot has condemned the decision not to send three teenage boys to custody after they were convicted of raping two girls, saying she was “deeply shocked” that they had been allowed to remain free.
The French rape survivor, who became internationally known after waiving her anonymity during the trial of her former husband Dominique Pelicot and dozens of other men, spoke after the sentencing decision in Hampshire caused widespread criticism. BBC Breakfast said Pelicot had told the programme that she was shocked “that these individuals were able to gain their freedom” following the case.
The boys, who were aged 14 and 15 at the time of the offences, were given youth rehabilitation orders rather than custodial sentences. The case involved the rape of two girls in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, with reports saying the assaults included threats, filming and subsequent harassment of the victims. Former attorney general Dominic Grieve said the sentencing was “unusual” and could be reviewed by the current Attorney General.
The case has reignited debate over youth sentencing, rehabilitation and justice for victims of sexual violence. Critics have argued that the decision risks discouraging victims from reporting rape, while supporters of youth justice approaches point to the legal requirement to consider the age and welfare of young offenders. The Attorney General’s office is reviewing the case under the unduly lenient sentence scheme, which could lead to the matter being referred to the Court of Appeal.