Youth courts and sentencing - what are the rules?

There's been public confusion and outrage over the sentences given to three teenage boys, who were convicted of rape.

In November 2024 and January 2025, two girls, then aged 15 and 14, were attacked in separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, by two 14-year-olds. Another boy, then 13, was also convicted for his involvement in the second rape.

The teenage boys were given youth rehabilitation orders and walked out of court with 10 rape convictions between them.

The Prime Minister says the case will be referred to the Court of Appeal. He described the case as distressing and said "there are questions about the sentence". One of the girls who was raped told the BBC that the judge's decision was like a "rock straight in my face".

So why were the three teenage boys given non-custodial sentences?
What is the guidance around youth sentencing?
How do youth courts - and youth custody - work?
And how does the system differ from the adult courts in England and Wales?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan
Producers: Ravi Naik and Ivana Davidovic
Editor: Damon Rose