Early Release Scheme Under Scrutiny Following PC Harper Killers' Case

PC Andrew Harper died in August 2019, killed while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers received 13-year sentences for manslaughter; Henry Long, the driver who dragged PC Harper, was sentenced to 16 years and remains ineligible for early release.

Cole and Bowers could walk free halfway through their 13-year terms under the Early Release Scheme, a government initiative. This scheme allows prisoners to apply for release after serving half their sentence, rather than two-thirds, reportedly to tackle overcrowding in jails.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly resumed the Early Release Scheme, which is understood to now include exemptions for rapists and child sex offenders. However, a senior police officer claims the government is to allow the freedom of PC Andrew Harper's killers under this scheme.

Det Supt Stuart Blaik stated, "Neither of them showed any remorse during their time in police custody or during their subsequent trial." Blaik further claims the early release of offenders such as Cole and Bowers threatens to 'undermine' the judiciary system.

The Thames Valley Police Federation has threatened legal action to prevent Cole and Bowers' release. A petition started by the Police Federation has garnered over 650,000 signatures.

Blaik added, "I hope the Government takes account of the strength of public feeling on this issue, which has been both clear and widespread." PC Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, visited the scene of her son's death on Thursday.

Lissie Harper, PC Harper's widow, claims the sentences Andrew’s killers received were pitiful. She insists, "Justice should mean justice and serving the sentence given."

Harper claims the reasons for early release, such as prisons being too full, are disgraceful and disgusting. She stated, "Hopefully we can make the current Government come to their senses and realise we cannot put people like this back on our streets."

Harper further claims this decision puts dangerous people back on our streets, causes more heartache and suffering for other families in the future, and makes a mockery of our justice system. She also claims this decision tells career criminals that this country is weak and its systems are broken and prime to be manipulated, adding, "You show nothing but disrespect to Andrew, to his loved ones and to other families in the same horrific position."

The Prime Minister stated that further exemptions from the scheme were not possible without risking the collapse of the prison system due to capacity issues. The Prime Minister has reportedly ordered a review of the early release scheme, with new rules understood to exclude rape, serious child sexual offenses, and grooming from early jail release schemes.

Andy Burnham is reportedly considering blocking PC Andrew Harper’s killers from early prison release. A government source claims the Prime Minister is prepared to ‘explore every option’ to keep Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers in jail.