STORY
Civil Nuclear Constabulary Chief Constable Simon Chesterman has joined calls opposing the potential early release of two men involved in the death of Thames Valley Police officer Andrew Harper. Chesterman said Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers should remain in prison for the remainder of their sentences, arguing that early release would damage public confidence and police morale.
PC Harper, 28, was killed in August 2019 while responding to the theft of a quad bike in Berkshire. He was dragged behind a vehicle along a country road while carrying out his duties. Three teenagers involved in the incident were subsequently sentenced to a combined 42 years in prison, with Cole and Bowers each receiving 13-year sentences. Under current proposals, the pair could potentially become eligible for release after serving half of their custodial terms.
Chesterman, who served with Thames Valley Police between 1984 and 2007, said he felt compelled to express solidarity with Harper’s family, friends and former colleagues. He said police officers routinely face dangerous situations while protecting the public and argued that allowing those involved in Harper’s death to benefit from early release would fail to reflect the seriousness of the offence and the continuing impact on his family and the policing community.