Parents of girl who was raped in Fordingbridge call for judicial reform
It's ahead of a promised meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham
The family of a girl who was raped in Fordingbridge are pushing to meet the new Prime Minister as part of a fight to change the justice system.
The parents - who were keeping anonymous to protect their daughter's identity - say they've been promised a meeting with Andy Burnham over calls to bring in an independent body to review judges' decisions.
It's after the boys who attacked their daughter were initially spared jail, something the mum says should never have been allowed to happen.
She said: "“I’m not just doing this for Jasmine, I’m not just doing this for our family, I’m doing it for every single survivor past and present and future.
"The system needs to change, and I’m not scared to stand up and say that.
"The disparity between children and adults is ridiculous.
“If you are old enough to commit an adult crime then you’re old enough to do adult time.
“These things really need to be looked at and brought in line with the current era we’re living in.”
Her step-dad added they feel there needs to be an independent body fit to review judge decisions.
Their case was sent to the Court of Appeal in London, drawing national attention, to review the sentences of three boys involved in the rape of two girls.
This included their daughter, who is being known as Jazmine, a pseudonym to protect her identity.
Two boys were given four year custodial sentences.
Since the case the family have started a Stronger Than Silence campaign.
It's focused on providing grants, respite and support to survivors of sexual violence and the families who stand beside them.
Jazmine's step-dad said he hopes it'll help people as they "never want a victim to feel alone".