Officer who led PC Harper investigation 'appalled' killers could be released early
Summary
Two men convicted of manslaughter in the death of police officer Andrew Harper are set to be eligible for early release next year under new government plans. The senior investigator and PC Harper’s widow have expressed strong concerns, saying the killers should not be freed early due to the seriousness of the crime.Key Facts
- PC Andrew Harper died in 2019 after being dragged behind a car during a crime scene escape.
- Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison.
- Under revised rules, they can be released after serving half their sentence instead of two-thirds.
- The government changed early release rules to reduce prison overcrowding but excluded some serious offenders like rapists and child sex offenders.
- The senior officer who led the investigation said he was “appalled” by the possibility of their early release.
- PC Harper’s widow is campaigning against their early release and has started a petition.
- The justice secretary said about 1,000 prisoners will no longer be released early due to the new rules.
- Prisoners released early will face strict controls and victims will be consulted before release.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
