A judge at the Court of Appeal is reviewing the sentences of three teenagers convicted of raping two lone schoolgirls, according to reports. The case focuses not on the convictions themselves but on whether the original punishments were appropriate. Lord Hermer is due to consider whether the sentences were “unduly lenient,” a standard used when determining if punishment should be increased. If the court finds the sentences do not properly reflect the seriousness of the offences and relevant factors, it can set aside the existing terms and remit the matter back to the sentencing court for reconsideration. In that scenario, the court that originally imposed the sentences could then increase them, potentially resulting in prison terms. Reports state the appeals process could therefore lead to higher sentences for the defendants if the court decides that the earlier outcomes were not proportionate.