Prisoner Release Scheme Delayed Amid Outcry Over PC Harper Killers' Eligibility
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces exclusion of serious offences, but concerns persist regarding early release for those convicted of killing police officers.
Sarah Connor
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a delay to the early prisoner release scheme until October.
PC Andrew Harper sustained fatal injuries in August 2019, responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.
Henry Long, the vehicle's driver, received a 16-year sentence and would not have been eligible for the Government's scheme.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, passengers in the car, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter; they would become eligible for release after serving half of their sentences.
The early prisoner release scheme, known as SDS40, was introduced to reduce overcrowding in UK prisons, allowing some criminals to be freed after serving 40% of their sentence.
Mr Burnham paused plans to release prisoners early in September as part of the Sentencing Act, which had cut the minimum amount of time many offenders would have to spend in prison.
The scheme will now be delayed until October, with the Government facing criticism that the early release scheme will not exclude prisoners convicted of killing police officers.
Lissie Harper, PC Harper's widow, condemned the situation as "an affront to justice" and "an utter betrayal."
The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt.
She stated, "The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt."
Debbie Adlam, PC Harper's mother, expressed profound disappointment, saying, "It feels like we're letting Andrew down again."
Adlam added, "Apparently, the situation is, if nothing was done, then the prison system would fall completely. But we're paying the price for it."
Jason Hogg, a police official, voiced his dismay, stating, "I am beyond disappointed the Government is continuing to allow PC Andrew Harper's killers to be released early from prison despite the overwhelming recent public outcry."
Hogg highlighted the irony, asserting, "It is simple: if Andrew's killers were convicted today, they would receive life sentences due to the law that was created in his name. They would not be eligible for early release."
He further stated that this decision is "demoralising for all police officers and our fellow emergency service workers, not just in the Thames Valley, that puts themselves in harm's way to protect and serve their community."
The Government has apologized to PC Andrew Harper's family for the distress caused by the proposed changes.
The Prime Minister assured the public that offenders will face tighter community supervision, including new GPS monitoring for rapists.
Burnham stated, "We will also be introducing much tougher community measures. There will be a presumption that all offenders are tagged, longer periods of supervision and tough new rules, including restriction zones for offenders."
Those released will face tougher probation conditions, including electronic monitoring, as part of the revised scheme.
The Government plans to build 14,000 new prison places by 2031 to address the underlying issue of overcrowding.
The early release of thousands of serious criminals, including killers and wife-beaters, is understood to proceed this autumn.
The changes to the early release system are designed to be permanent, although plans for their implementation have been delayed until October.