STORY
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will review the Government’s early prisoner release scheme after concerns that two men convicted over the killing of PC Andrew Harper could be released from prison earlier than expected. Burnham said he would examine the policy with Justice Secretary Alex Norris before it proceeds, amid growing criticism from the police, opposition politicians and PC Harper’s family.
The controversy centres on Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 and each sentenced to 13 years in custody. They were passengers in the vehicle involved in PC Harper’s death and may be eligible for release after serving half their sentences under the new Sentencing Act arrangements due to begin in September.
PC Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, died in 2019 after being dragged behind a car while responding to a report of a quad bike theft. The case prompted national outrage and later led to Harper’s Law, which introduced mandatory life sentences for offenders who kill emergency workers while committing a crime.
Burnham said the “main perpetrator” in PC Harper’s killing would not be subject to early release. That refers to Henry Long, who was given a 16-year extended sentence after being convicted of manslaughter.
The Prime Minister said he understood the pressure on prison places but wanted to assure himself that every part of the policy had been examined before it went further. He said he could not promise to change the policy completely, but would look at it in detail with the Justice Secretary.
Debbie Adlam, PC Harper’s mother, has strongly criticised the possibility that Bowers and Cole could be released early. She described the prospect as an insult to her son’s memory and said the news had left her feeling sick.
The early release scheme is intended to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons, with thousands of offenders expected to be affected during its first months. Critics argue that the policy risks damaging public confidence in the justice system if it applies to offenders convicted of serious violence.