Ministers Defend Early Release Scheme Amid Harper Killers' Eligibility
Thames Valley Chief Constable Considers Legal Action as Public Petition Demands Halt to Release of PC Andrew Harper's Killers
Sarah Connor
Ministers are defending the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers as part of a government early prisoner release scheme.
PC Andrew Harper died in August 2019, sustaining fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers received manslaughter convictions in 2020 for their role in his death; both are serving 13-year sentences.
Henry Long, the vehicle's driver involved in PC Harper's death, received a 16-year sentence and remains ineligible for the scheme. PC Andrew Harper's mother claims her family is 'paying the price' after learning her son's killers remain eligible for early release under the government's planned sentencing changes.
Lissie Harper claims the Government has 'punched us in the gut… they should be ashamed of themselves.' The Thames Valley chief constable is receiving legal advice, considering joining legal action over the possible release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers.
We will throw everything at this through a proper legal challenge from KCs, barristers, you name it. Our colleagues will accept nothing less.
A police federation threatens legal action. The Thames Valley Police Federation and Chief Constable Jason Hogg consider legal action against the Government over the early release decision.
Aileen O’Connor stated, "We will throw everything at this through a proper legal challenge from KCs, barristers, you name it. Our colleagues will accept nothing less."
More than 150,000 people have signed a petition demanding the Government prevent the early release of Cole and Bowers. Harper's Law, mandating life sentences for the manslaughter of emergency workers, came into force in 2022 but cannot be applied retrospectively.
About 1,000 fewer prisoners will be released early after Andy Burnham’s intervention. This excludes those convicted of rape, serious child sexual offences, and grooming from the scheme.
Rapists and serious child sex offenders have been exempted from the early release scheme, though Andy Burnham faces backlash for a decision regarding the early release. Andy Burnham stated that the justice system reforms are not perfect and do not go as far as he would like, but he is committed to rebuilding it.
The scheme was intended to address prison overcrowding. Those released under it face tougher probation conditions, including electronic monitoring and random drug testing.
The government announced an additional £10 million for front-line victim support services.