I just want freedom from fear, says girl raped by teenage boys as sentences to be reviewed

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. I just want freedom from fear, says girl raped by teenage boys as sentences to be reviewed17 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleElla Kipling Girl described being 'scared to go out' after rapists spared jail timeA girl whose teenage rapists were spared custody and will now have their sentences reviewed has told the she wants "freedom" from fear. The girl, who was 14 when she was raped in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, told Newsnight: "I just want to be able to go on a walk without being scared that I'm going to see them and they're gonna try to do something again. "Her father said the January 2025 attack has caused a "lifelong impact" on his daughter and called for a custodial sentence for the boys.

"This is a life sentence for her," he said. The sentences are being referred to the Court of Appeal, after an outcry when the boys were given youth rehabilitation orders. Warning: This story contains details some may find distressingThree boys were involved in the attack - two boys, then aged 14, were convicted of rape.

The Details

A third, then 13, was guilty of rape by aiding and abetting the attack. The Sentencing Council for England and Wales says that even in very serious cases, courts are expected to prioritise rehabilitation for children and use custody only as a last resort. Both parents spoke anonymously to Newsnight presenter Victoria Derbyshire along with their daughter.

The teenage girl said her mental health has suffered significantly following the attack and she struggles to get out of bed. "I feel like no matter what I do, I can always feel their hands on me, no matter how much I've scrubbed, how much I've tried to get the feeling away, it's always there and it just doesn't feel like my body anymore," she said. She said she suffers from "vivid flashbacks", adding: "I don't sleep at night, because I'm worried something's going to happen.

"Going to school has also been challenging, she said: "I have very low attendance and with my exams going on it's not helping because I'm so far behind in my education. I'm just losing out on the potential I would have had if none of this had happened. "Her mother said she wanted her daughter not to "live in fear" but to "be able to be free and happy again".

What Experts Say

Her father said the rape "will cause a lifelong impact on my daughter and my family. This isn't going away for five years, 10 years. This is a life sentence for her".

He added: "I understand that we may not be able to lock these boys up for a life sentence but it starts with a custodial sentence and I feel they have to have something in there, going forwards, that impacts them for life. "The girl met the boys in January 2025 at Fordingbridge Recreation Ground, where she was raped repeatedly. One of her attackers pushed her down and used a knife to cut her clothing before forcing himself on her.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.