Three teenage boys convicted of rape and serious sexual assault of girls as young as 14 are each given £26 fines and rehabilitation orders, according to reports. The cases are described as separate matters heard over the past year in north-east England, with proceedings taken through youth court rules that apply to defendants aged 17 or under. Under these rules, the cases are handled with a greater emphasis on rehabilitation than adult court sentencing. Campaigners and victims are reported to be calling for urgent changes, arguing that the penalties do not reflect the seriousness of the offences and that the fines are disproportionately low. The reports say the boys avoid jail sentences, instead receiving modest financial penalties alongside rehabilitation requirements. The outlets also describe public reaction and criticism of the sentencing approach used in youth courts for these types of convictions.