A NEW Forest MP has spoken out over the controversial sentences handed to three teenage boys convicted of rape in Fordingbridge, as the case is referred to the Court of Appeal.

The sentencing has sparked national outrage after two boys aged 14-years-old at the time, and another boy, then aged 13, avoided custody despite being convicted of ten rape offences between them.

The attacks happened in Fordingbridge in November 2024 and January 2025. Two girls, unknown to each other and aged 15 and 14 at the time, were raped in separate incidents.

The attackers were handed youth rehabilitation orders and walked free from court.

The Attorney General has now confirmed the sentences will be reviewed by the Court of Appeal following widespread concern over their leniency.

The area’s newly elected MP Sir Desmind Swayne said he had received a “very large postbag” from constituents and people across the UK expressing “outrage” at the sentences.

He said: “Justice served should always be proportionate to the crimes committed – in no instance is this more important than crimes as catastrophic for victims as what happened in Fordingbridge.

“Women and girls in Fordingbridge, in our wider New Forest community and across the UK have a fundamental right to safety – our judicial system should support this.

“Accordingly, I have asked the Attorney General to use his power to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal. I understand that I’m far from the only person to have done so.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also intervened, describing the case as “appalling”.

He said: “There are questions about the sentence.”

Attorney General Lord Hermer said there had been “a huge amount of public interest and concern at this horrific case”.

He added: “There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this government will not hesitate in taking action.”