Fordingbridge rapes: CPS under scrutinty over error

The release, which followed the May sentencing of three teenage boys in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, incorrectly stated that the second victim had been raped at knifepoint after being forced to leave her phone and an AirTag in a shop to prevent being tracked.

However, Judge Nicholas Rowland said during the hearing at Southampton Crown Court that no such threat with a knife occurred and that the girl left her possessions at the shop "by choice".

In Thursday's Court of Appeal ruling, Baroness Carr described the press release as containing "very significant errors" and noted it was not corrected until nearly three weeks later, on June 10.

Baroness Carr said: "It is difficult to understand how these errors were committed in the first place, and then difficult to understand how they were not corrected as soon as inaccurate reports in the press and elsewhere, referring, amongst other things, to a 'knife-point rape' emerged.

"Our concern is not confined to the press release, its inaccuracy and the delay in correction, but is also about the failure on the part of those with statutory responsibility for the prosecution of these cases and for these references to correct the immediate widespread misreporting of important factual aspects.

"Without a fuller picture, we are unable to express any further views or reach any conclusions at this stage."

The boys, two aged 15 and one aged 14, were originally given non-custodial sentences in May for multiple rape and indecent image offences against two girls, assaulted in November 2024 and January 2025.

The Attorney General, Lord Hermer, later referred the case for review, and on Thursday, the Court of Appeal increased the sentences of the two older boys to four years’ detention, ruling the original punishment "unduly lenient".

Baroness Carr said the CPS has been asked to provide "a full written letter of explanation" to the court and Lord Hermer by 4pm on July 9, adding that they would then "consider what further steps, if any, may be necessary".

The judge said both prosecution and defence barristers had contacted the CPS about the inaccuracy soon after the release, but it remains unclear what action, if any, was taken.

Baroness Carr also raised "significant concern" about "intense public debate before the legal process has concluded," particularly involving members of parliament.

A CPS spokesperson said: "Following the trial, the CPS issued a press release which reflected the prosecution case at trial but did not accurately reflect the judge’s findings in relation to the offending.

"We later amended the release to correct this, and regret the error.

"It is essential that our public communications accurately reflect court findings.

"We have reviewed the circumstances of this case, and we will identify lessons for the future."