Article #38245

Exclusive: Campaigners and victims call for urgent change after sentences for youths convicted of rape in England

Three teenage boys convicted of the rape and serious sexual assault of girls as young as 14 were given fines of £26 each and rehabilitation orders, the Guardian has learned.

The three separate cases all took place over the past year in north-east England. They were tried under youth court rules that deal with suspects aged 17 or under and place a greater emphasis on rehabilitation than adult courts.