Prisoner Release Scheme Delayed Amid Outcry Over PC Harper Killers' Eligibility

Pc Andrew Harper suffered fatal injuries in August 2019, responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, passengers in the car involved, received 13-year sentences for manslaughter and would become eligible for release after serving half their terms.

Henry Long, the vehicle's driver, received a 16-year sentence.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took over from Keir Starmer on July 20, announced Monday that rape, serious child sexual offenses, and grooming would be excluded from the scheme. The scheme will now be delayed until October, with Mr Burnham pausing plans to release prisoners early in September as part of the Sentencing Act.

Lissie Harper, Pc Harper's widow, described the situation as "an affront to justice" and "an utter betrayal." She stated, "The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt."

Debbie Adlam, Pc Harper's mother, expressed profound disappointment, saying, "It feels like we're letting Andrew down again." Adlam added, "Apparently, the situation is, if nothing was done, then the prison system would fall completely. But we're paying the price for it."

Jason Hogg, a police official, voiced his dismay, stating, "I am beyond disappointed the Government is continuing to allow PC Andrew Harper's killers to be released early from prison despite the overwhelming recent public outcry." Hogg highlighted the irony, asserting, "It is simple: if Andrew's killers were convicted today, they would receive life sentences due to the law that was created in his name. They would not be eligible for early release."

He further stated that this decision is "demoralizing for all police officers and our fellow emergency service workers, not just in the Thames Valley, that puts themselves in harm's way to protect and serve their community." The early prisoner release scheme will not exclude prisoners convicted of killing police officers, including individuals such as Harper's killers.

The Prime Minister assured the public that offenders will face tighter community supervision, including new GPS monitoring for rapists. Burnham stated, "We will also be introducing much tougher community measures. There will be a presumption that all offenders are tagged, longer periods of supervision and tough new rules, including restriction zones for offenders."

Mr Burnham is on holiday after two weeks in the job, though he will remain in contact with officials and hold meetings during his trip. Among other policy announcements, Mr Burnham has promised to remove VAT from electricity bills, pledged to end rough sleeping, and began cross-party talks on social care.

He has also announced a cut in business rates for pubs, established No 10 North, and suggested Gianni Infantino was the wrong man to lead Fifa.