Gisèle Pelicot says she is 'deeply shocked' that three teenage boys were spared jail after raping two schoolgirls in separate attacks

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 09:04, 26 May 2026 | Updated: 09:09, 26 May 2026 Rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot has said she is 'deeply shocked' by a judge's decision to spare three teenage boys prison after they raped two schoolgirls in separate attacks. The two girls, aged 14 and 15 at the time, were raped by two 14-year-old boys weeks apart in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, with a then-13-year-old also convicted over his role in the second incident. But despite the horrific nature of the attacks - which saw one of the girls gang-raped at knifepoint, the assaults filmed and one uploaded to social media - all three were handed youth rehabilitation orders and walked free from court. Over the weekend one of the girls gave a heartbreaking interview in which she said the sentence handed down was like 'a rock straight in my face', adding: 'What is the point in putting me through that just to say it's fine?'. The sentences have been referred to the Attorney General for reconsideration under the unduly lenient scheme, with government officials said to be 'urgently reviewing' them. Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Tuesday morning, Ms Pelicot said: 'I am deeply shocked that were able to in fact gain their freedom again when in fact the victims are suffering so hard they will never be able to heal.' She continued: 'Rape is a crime and justice has an essential role. It's there to, in fact, name the crimes, to recognise the suffering of victims, and to remember that in fact they must not remain unpunished.' Addressing the girl's interview with Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, Ms Pelicot added: 'I really salute her strength and the decision she made, because I know that it's an incredibly difficult decision.' Rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot has said she is 'deeply shocked' by a judge's decision to spare three teenage boys prison after they raped two schoolgirls in separate attacks Ms Pelicot, 73, bravely waived her right to anonymity while at the centre of the most prominent rape trial in French history. Her husband Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for repeatedly drugging his wife and inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious.  She has previously said she hopes her story helps other women and girls come forward after being subjected to rape or sexual assault. Her comments come after there was outrage last week after Judge Nicholas Rowland spared the boys, who are all members of the Traveller community, from jail, saying he did not want to criminalise them and even praising their behaviour in court. They were convicted of a total of 11 counts of rape, but walked free from Southampton Crown Court after Judge Rowland said they had 'done very well' dealing with restrictions imposed during the trial. The two older boys were given three-year youth rehabilitation orders instead of being jailed. The youngest boy was given an 18-month rehabilitation order. These orders carry a range of different requirements such as unpaid work. All three were also given a ten-year restraining order not to contact their victims. He said they were very young, had low intelligence, a limited understanding of consent and were susceptible to peer pressure.  Pictured: One of three teenage travellers convicted of rape following a five-week trial at Southampton Crown Court with the two older boys - both just 14 at time - also found guilty of taking indecent images of a child, relating to the recordings they made of their attacks All three boys were spared jail despite the horrific nature of the attacks they carried out  Pictured: The youngest of the three rapists in a photograph posted on his TikTok account just two weeks prior to the rape, which showed him out late at night hunting rabbits and hares with his lurcher dog, a practice known as 'lamping' The government received 'multiple' referrals to the unduly lenient scheme over the decision, with Attorney General Lord Hermer now having 28 days to decide whether to pass the sentences to the Court of Appeal.  Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the case as 'appalling', adding it was 'right' the sentences are under review, after the victim spoke out.  He said: 'This is a harrowing and brave testimony. The girls at the heart of this case have shown extraordinary bravery and strength in heinous circumstances. 'This is an appalling case and it is right that law officers are urgently reviewing the sentences.' And Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones fought back tears after he was asked about the girl's interview by Laura Kuenssberg. He said Lord Hermer would make a decision on referring the sentences 'quicker' than the maximum 28-day time limit. His eyes welled up as he said: 'As a minister, what I can't do is get ahead of the Attorney General's decision, but as a parent and as a member of the public, you can imagine what my personal view is on the situation. 'Those girls deserve justice, as do their families, both for them, but also for other girls that are put in that position. 'And quite frankly, other boys need to know that they can't behave in that way and get away with it.' A Government Spokesperson said: 'We share the public's shock at the details of this horrific case, and our thoughts are with the young victims during this distressing time. 'The Law Officers are urgently reviewing the case with the utmost care and attention.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. 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