A teenage girl who was raped by two teenage boys has spoken to the BBC about her distress following their sentencing, after the offenders were spared prison.

The victim, who was 15 at the time of the attack and has chosen to remain anonymous, described the emotional toll of going through the criminal justice process and the sense of disillusionment she felt after the outcome.

She said that the judge’s decision gave her the impression that what had happened was not truly condemned in the eyes of the law because the perpetrators were also minors.

Her comments highlight the psychological burden often experienced by victims who must relive traumatic events during trials, only to feel that the outcome does not reflect the seriousness of the crime.The case has prompted public debate about sentencing decisions involving young offenders, particularly in serious sexual offence cases.

The judge, Nicholas Rowland, had stated that he wished to avoid ‘criminalising’ the very young defendants, which led to them avoiding custodial sentences.The Attorney General has since confirmed that the sentence will be reviewed, raising the possibility of further legal scrutiny.The victim expressed regret and frustration, questioning whether it was worth enduring the court process given the final outcome.Her family supported her testimony, emphasising the emotional strain the trial caused.

The case has added to wider discussions in the UK about balancing rehabilitation of young offenders with justice and accountability for victims of serious crimes, particularly sexual violence.

It also reflects ongoing concerns about how sentencing decisions are perceived by survivors and the public, and whether current legal frameworks adequately address their needs and expectations.