Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips stated that victims of sexual crimes by children are being told to accept lenient outcomes to support the rehabilitation of the offenders. She called for an examination of sentencing guidelines. Recent cases involving teenage boys receiving light penalties for rape and sexual assault have sparked public anger. In Fordingbridge, Hampshire, three boys received youth rehabilitation orders after two were found guilty of rape and one of aiding attacks on girls aged 15 and 14. The judge at Southampton crown court cited a desire to prevent unnecessary criminal records for the youths. Reports also described three other teenage boys in north-east England convicted of raping and assaulting girls as young as 14, who were given similar orders plus a £26 court fee. Phillips described these outcomes as victims being asked to accept the situation for the perceived benefit of the perpetrators. She noted that guidelines have not addressed a rising pattern of children committing sexual abuse against other children. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, she highlighted the need for updated prevention, early intervention in schools, and adjustments in the youth justice system. Phillips also raised concerns about serious crimes being recorded to generate online attention. The attorney general has sent the Fordingbridge sentences to the court of appeal for review as potentially too lenient. Phillips recommended revising guidelines for minors to balance focus between offenders and victims, and stressed the importance of public safety alongside perpetrator support.
