STORY
The Youth Justice Board has said public concern over the sentencing of three boys convicted in the Fordingbridge rape case should not be dismissed, while warning that youth justice services and judges should not be unfairly criticised for applying the law.
The statement was issued after criticism of the decision not to impose custodial sentences in the case, which involved serious sexual offences against two girls. Cheryl de Freitas, Chief Operating Officer of the Youth Justice Board, said confidence in the justice system mattered, particularly in cases involving violence against women and girls. She said it was essential that public concern was taken seriously.
De Freitas said that, while most children did not commit offences of such seriousness, the response in those cases had to balance accountability, public protection, victim harm, deterrence and the long-term aim of preventing future violence. She also acknowledged the “immense bravery” of the girls who came forward.
The Youth Justice Board said it welcomed the Attorney General’s review of the case and would not comment further while awaiting the outcome. The review follows calls for the sentences to be examined under the unduly lenient sentence scheme, amid wider debate over youth sentencing, public confidence and the treatment of victims of sexual violence.