Threat of legal action if PC Andrew Harper’s killers are released early
Summary
The chief constable of Thames Valley police may join legal action to stop the early release of two men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper. The government plans to free some prisoners early to reduce overcrowding, but police leaders and supporters argue these men should stay in prison longer.Key Facts
- PC Andrew Harper died in 2019 after being dragged by a car during a crime involving quad bike theft.
- Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter and might be released early under a government scheme.
- The Police Federation is seeking legal advice to challenge the government's plan to release these prisoners early.
- The government intends to release about 5,000 prisoners who have served a third of their sentence to ease overcrowding in prisons.
- A new law in 2022 mandates life sentences for manslaughter of emergency workers, but it does not apply to past cases like Harper’s.
- Thames Valley’s chief constable, Jason Hogg, has raised concerns with government officials but has not yet received responses.
- Those convicted of certain serious crimes, like rape and child sexual offenses, are excluded from early release plans.
- Police leaders stress the need for better investment in the rehabilitation of released offenders to protect public safety.
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