PC Andrew Harper’s killers to be excluded from early release scheme
The UK government is set to change the law so that those convicted of certain types of manslaughter, including the killers of PC Andrew Harper, will no longer be eligible for early release.
The killers of PC Andrew Harper will be excluded from an early release scheme under new government rules, according to reports. The change follows a public backlash and a commitment by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to do “everything possible” to ensure the pair remain behind bars.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were jailed for the manslaughter of PC Harper, who died in 2019 after being dragged along a road while responding to a burglary. The two men were originally sentenced to 13 and 16 years respectively, but their terms were reduced on appeal. Under the previous early release provisions, they could have been freed automatically after serving two-thirds of their sentences.
The Telegraph reported that those convicted of a certain type of manslaughter will no longer be eligible for early release. The change is expected to be introduced through new legislation, with suggestions that the government will also prevent anyone convicted of killing a police officer from ever being released early. The move marks a significant U-turn by the Prime Minister, who had earlier faced criticism for not acting sooner.
The decision comes after months of campaigning by PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, and other supporters who argued that the killers should serve their full sentences. The government’s plan is seen as a direct response to that pressure, and it is likely to be welcomed by police unions and victims’ rights groups.
While the exact wording of the new rules has not yet been published, the reports indicate that the change will apply retrospectively to those already convicted. This would mean that Cole and Bowers, who are currently in prison, will not benefit from the early release scheme. The move is also expected to affect other offenders convicted of similar offences, though the precise scope of the change remains unclear.
The Prime Minister’s office has not officially confirmed the reports, but sources suggest that an announcement is imminent. The change would represent a rare example of retrospective legislation in the UK, and it is likely to raise legal questions about fairness and the separation of powers. However, the government appears determined to act in response to public outrage over the case.
PC Harper’s death in August 2019 shocked the country and led to widespread calls for tougher sentencing for those who kill emergency workers. The new measures are part of a broader effort by the government to strengthen protections for police officers and other frontline staff. The Home Office is expected to provide further details in the coming days.
