Government to block early release for PC Harper’s killers in September

The Government will outline plans next month to prevent the early release of the killers of PC Andrew Harper. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner confirmed to LBC that Justice Secretary Alex Norris will present the exemptions when Parliament returns in September. The announcement follows mounting pressure from Harper’s family and police forces.

Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years for the manslaughter of PC Harper in 2020. Under existing rules, they were set to be released halfway through their sentences in January. The Government had previously stated it was not possible to exempt individual offenders from the early release scheme, but will now seek a broader solution for serious criminals.

Pressure from Harper’s family and public

More than 880,000 people have signed a petition calling for Cole and Bowers to remain in prison. Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, has been vocal in her campaign to keep the pair behind bars. The case has drawn widespread attention, with public figures and police representatives urging the Government to act.

PC Harper died in August 2019 after being dragged by a car while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. His killers fled the scene, leaving him fatally injured. A third defendant, Henry Long, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Broader changes to early release scheme

The Government has already introduced exemptions for offenders convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming. These changes reduced the number of prisoners expected to be released early from 6,000 to 5,000. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated last week that the Government had pushed the limits of what could be done without risking prison overcrowding.

Offenders released early under the scheme will face stricter probation conditions. These include electronic monitoring, random drug testing and potential bans from driving, pubs and large events such as football matches. The Sentencing Act, passed earlier this year, reduced the minimum time many offenders must spend in prison.

What happens next

Justice Secretary Alex Norris will present the Government’s plans to Parliament in September. The details of the exemptions for serious offenders, including how they will apply to manslaughter cases, are expected to be clarified then. It remains unclear whether the changes will affect other prisoners already scheduled for early release.