Pc Andrew Harper's Killers Face Potential Early Release Amidst Public Outcry
Prime Minister intervenes as Ministry of Justice warns of prison capacity issues if early release scheme is altered.
Sarah Connor
Pc Andrew Harper's killers are eligible for early release in January, sparking a national debate.
PC Andrew Harper died in August 2019, dragged by a car during a response to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.
His killers, Cole and Bowers, face potential early release in January, having served half of their 13-year sentences.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reportedly asked the Justice Secretary to explore options to prevent the early release of these killers.
A government spokesperson confirmed the prime minister's directive, stating, "The prime minister has asked the Justice Secretary to work through further options to keep a greater number of the most serious offenders in prison, including the killers of PC Harper."
The Ministry of Justice, however, warned that blocking early releases risked prison capacity issues, which could impact police arrests and court proceedings.
The Prime Minister stated the government has been "pushed to the very limits of what is possible to do without risking the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing."
The prime minister has asked the Justice Secretary to work through further options to keep a greater number of the most serious offenders in prison, including the killers of PC Harper.
PC Andrew Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, reportedly received a late-night call from Downing Street and spoke to BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, August 11th.
Over 880,000 people have signed a petition demanding PC Harper's killers remain in jail.
Chris Bushnell, a police officer, claims the Government's potential early release of PC Harper's killers is 'spitting in the faces of police officers'.
Bushnell claims the killers mocked court proceedings and showed no remorse; an early release would 'belittle' traumatized officers and make them feel worthless.
Bushnell stated, "I’ve seen people die before. I’ve seen suicides. This was beyond brutal. It was awful."
He added, "We can’t change the verdict. They got their sentences, which were pretty pitiful, to be fair. When I first heard a couple of weeks ago there was a chance they could be let out early, I was shaking. It brought everything back. To think they could be released early is absolutely outrageous. I’m angry with them, but I’m also angry with the Government. They’re spitting in the face of police officers."
Harper's Law reportedly mandates a life sentence for anyone convicted of killing an emergency worker during a crime.
Previously, prisoners convicted of serious violent or sexual crimes had to serve at least two-thirds of their sentence.
This early release is part of the government's early release scheme, which expects to release around 5,000 people under current sentencing changes.
The scheme currently excludes those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences, and grooming.
Henry Long, the driver of the vehicle, received a longer 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release due to an extended determinate sentence.
Downing Street had earlier warned that it would not be possible to exclude 'one or two offenders' convicted of manslaughter from the early release of prisoners.
Sally Jameson stated, "It is important that we find a way, and I’m sure the Justice Secretary will find a way to make sure that PC Harper’s killers are not released early. He’s looking for solutions, and a solution’s been identified."
It remains unclear how the government will prevent Cole and Bowers from being treated the same as other prisoners with similar sentences, as altering criteria for manslaughter convictions would impact many other inmates.