Police And Fire Chiefs Urge Burnham To Block Early Release Of PC Harper Killers.
Police and fire service leaders have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to prevent the early release of two men convicted over the death of PC Andrew Harper.
The intervention comes amid growing concern over a prisoner release scheme that could allow the pair to leave custody before completing the full sentences imposed by the courts. PC Andrew Harper was killed in August 2019 while responding to the theft of a quad bike in Berkshire. The 28 year old officer became caught in a strap attached to a vehicle and was dragged along a country road as the suspects attempted to escape.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the vehicle and were both 17 at the time, were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in custody following their trial at the Old Bailey in 2020. The driver, Henry Long, received a 16 year sentence and is not eligible for the same early release scheme.
The possibility of Cole and Bowers being released early has caused significant anger among police officers, Harper’s family and members of the public. Their potential release has become a major issue in the debate surrounding the Government’s attempts to reduce pressure on overcrowded prisons.
Police chiefs have urged the Prime Minister to explore every available legal option to ensure the men serve more of the sentences handed down to them. The intervention reflects concerns that releasing serious offenders early could undermine public confidence in the justice system and cause further distress to victims’ families.
Burnham has responded by ordering a review of the controversial policy and has expressed increasing confidence that changes can be made to prevent serious offenders such as Harper’s killers from benefiting from the scheme. The Government is examining ways to create additional prison capacity and reduce the pressure that has contributed to early release measures.
The issue has also attracted widespread public attention, with a large petition calling for the killers not to be released early gaining substantial support. Harper’s family has continued to campaign for tougher treatment of those responsible for killing emergency workers while they are carrying out their duties.
Harper’s Law was introduced following the campaign led by his widow, Lissie Harper, and established mandatory life sentences for people convicted of killing emergency workers through certain offences. However, the legislation is not retrospective, meaning it cannot be applied to change the sentences already imposed on Harper’s killers.
The controversy has therefore placed significant pressure on the Government to find a solution that addresses both the prison capacity crisis and concerns about justice for victims and public safety. Ministers are considering a range of options, including increasing available prison space and reviewing how existing prisoners are managed.
For Harper’s family, the possibility of his killers being released before completing their sentences has been particularly painful. His widow has publicly criticised the idea of early release, arguing that it undermines the principles of justice and accountability for victims.
The debate has also highlighted wider concerns within the criminal justice system, including pressure on prisons and probation services. Officials must balance the need to manage overcrowding with the responsibility to protect the public and maintain confidence in sentences handed down by the courts.
Burnham has said public safety remains a priority and has instructed the Justice Secretary to examine the policy before the planned changes go ahead. The Government is now under pressure to deliver a solution that prevents the early release of serious offenders while addressing the wider problems affecting the prison system.
The case of PC Andrew Harper continues to attract national attention, with police leaders, politicians and the victim’s family all calling for the Government to reconsider how the release rules apply to his killers. The outcome of the review could have wider implications for prisoner release policy and the treatment of serious offenders across England and Wales.
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