LONDON — A judge’s decision to spare three teenage boys found guilty of rape at knifepoint and other serious sexual offenses from a custodial sentence has sparked outrage across the U.K.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Judge Nicholas Rowland’s decision to issue youth rehabilitation orders, or child community sentences, to the trio was widely criticized in Britain’s press.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the outcome “distressing.” Several campaigns calling for the judge’s removal have also been launched on social media, including one petition that was signed by more than 200,000 people.The case stems from two separate attacks perpetrated two months apart by the convicted teens, who were 13 and 14 at the time.
The victims were two girls, ages 15 and 14.Member of Parliament Jess Phillips, a longtime advocate for women and girls’ rights, told NBC News in a video interview last week that she was “horrified” by the lenient sentences.“Immediately I just thought that this is the wrong sentence,” said Phillips, who served as the U.K.’s minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls between July 2024 and May 2026.
“No doubt about that.”Along with other victim advocates, Phillips warned of the chilling effect the case could have for future sexual assault survivors when weighing whether to come forward.The ruling has also revived questions about whether the British justice system can be trusted to advocate for victims of sexual violence and has spurred calls for reform.
Starmer announced that the case, which he described as “distressing as a politician” and “as a father,” would go to the Court of Appeal; Attorney General Richard Hermer said he received multiple requests to review the sentences.“There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country,” Hermer said in a statement, “and this government will not hesitate in tak...