A 15-year-old girl's life was forever altered when she was raped by two boys in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, an ordeal that has left her with scars that will not easily heal. As she prepares to live with the consequences of their actions for years to come, Jazmine has spoken out about the profound impact of the experience, stating that she does not believe she 'will ever be the same'. Her powerful statement comes ahead of a two-day Court of Appeal hearing, commencing on Wednesday, which will review the non-custodial sentences initially handed down to her attackers.
The victim was attacked in an underpass by the River Avon in November 2024. According to prosecutors, she had met one of the boys after connecting on Snapchat, believing it to be a first date, when two other boys subsequently appeared. Disturbingly, videos of the attacks were shared on social media, leading to Jazmine receiving abusive messages. A second girl, then 14, was also raped by the same two boys in January 2025, with encouragement from a third boy.
Despite accumulating 10 rape convictions between them, the three boys – now aged 14 and 15 – received youth rehabilitation orders in May. Sentencing judge Nicholas Rowland cited guidelines for youth offenders, stating that custody should be a 'last resort' and that consideration must be given to the welfare and prevention of reoffending by children. The judge acknowledged that the two main offenders were assessed as 'medium risk' of reoffending but 'high risk of serious harm' to young females, taking into account their backgrounds, including ADHD diagnoses and extreme neurodevelopmental impairment in one case.
Jazmine described the trial at Southampton Crown Court as 'traumatising', expressing how she carries the weight of what happened 'every day'. She recounted being questioned in detail about her actions, feeling that it was implied she 'wanted it' or 'took part in it'. This experience, she said, 'broke something inside me'. Her family echoed her sentiments, stating that her life has been 'changed forever' by the attack and are now fundraising to establish a foundation, Stronger than Silence, to support other survivors.
The initial sentences provoked a significant public outcry, prompting Attorney General Lord Hermer to refer the cases to the Court of Appeal as 'unduly lenient'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also expressed his distress over the case, both as a politician and a father. The full transcript of the judge's sentencing remarks, detailing the complex considerations involved, were made public following a request by the BBC.
Jazmine's family hopes that the outcome of this week's hearing will extend beyond her individual case, bolstering confidence among survivors nationwide in a criminal justice system they rely on for protection. The review at the Royal Courts of Justice will scrutinise the original judgments and determine if a more severe punishment is warranted.