Statement from Jazmine and her family ahead of the review of rape sentencing in The Court of Appeal

Jazmine (“C”) and her family’s statement

“Jazmine and our family never imagined we would still be fighting for justice more than eighteen months after her life was changed forever. Today, we will listen to every word spoken in the Court of Appeal, having been forced to come before one of the highest courts in the country simply to ask that the seriousness of Jazmine being raped by two teenage boys is properly recognised. This is not only incredibly difficult for our family, but deeply re-traumatising for Jazmine, who is once again being required to relive the abuse.

Today's hearing is about far more than Jazmine’s case. It is about every survivor watching to see how the criminal justice system responds to the devastating harm caused by rape. The outcome has the potential to shape not only Jazmine's future, but the confidence that survivors across the country have in a justice system that they look to for protection. Whatever the Court decides, we hope no survivor is left believing they must suffer in silence or that seeking justice is simply too great a burden to bear.

We are already making progress in establishing a foundation, Stronger than Silence, dedicated to supporting other survivors, ensuring that those who find themselves facing similar circumstances know that they are not alone and that help, support, and hope are available.

In Jazmine’s own words:

"I feel like I am carrying what happened every day. I wake up with it, I go to school with it, I try to sit exams with it, and I go to sleep with it. It is always there. I cannot just switch it off. I cannot just move on.

The trial was horrific. It was not just difficult; it was traumatising. It made me relive what happened again and again. The trial lasted more than five and a half weeks and I had to go through giving evidence. When I gave evidence, I was questioned in detail about what I apparently did. I was asked about the details of what happened. I was asked why I had two hands around the perpetrator’s penis. It was implied that I wanted it. It was implied that I was experienced in what I was doing. It was implied that I had chosen it or taken part in it. I cannot explain how humiliating and painful that was.

I was 15 years old. I am a child who has been raped. I felt like I was being treated like I had done something wrong. The hardest part was being accused of lying. I knew I was telling the truth. I knew what had happened to me. I tried so hard to do my best whilst talking about something which has left me with such lasting pain. That broke something inside me.

What happened to me has left me harmed so severely that I do not think I will ever be the same.”

Statement from Proudmans, law firm representing Jazmine

“Today, the Court of Appeal will consider whether the original sentences imposed in this case were unduly lenient. It has been an honour for Proudmans to support Jazmine and her family throughout this process on a pro bono basis.

This case shocked the country after three teenage boys were convicted of 10 counts of rape against two teenage girls and they avoided prison. The learned judge said he did not want to criminalise rapists “unnecessarily.” We know the extraordinary courage it took for Jazmine to report rape, to give evidence in a criminal trial, and to return to court today to relive that trauma while the nation watches.

Proudmans was founded to represent women and girls through a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach. We are committed to ensuring survivors are heard, treated with dignity and supported throughout every stage of the legal process. This appeal raises important questions about the criminal justice system response to the lifelong impact of sexual violence for victims.

We remain committed to standing alongside survivors and to driving reform so that our family and criminal justice systems protect, support and deliver justice for victims.”

Dr Charlotte Proudman, founder of Proudmans, is an award-winning barrister. We are committed to representing survivors of abuse and ensuring justice is achieved.