Pc Andrew Harper killers eligible for January release despite petition
Downing Street says it cannot exempt manslaughter offenders from early release scheme affecting 5,000 prisoners
Incident → evidence → outcomeJessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were jailed for the manslaughter of Thames Valley Police officer Pc Andrew Harper, remain eligible for early release in January. The pair were sentenced to 13 years in 2020 after dragging Pc Harper to his death behind a car in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. Under the government’s sentencing changes, they could be freed halfway through their sentences.
Downing Street has ruled out exempting the two men from the early release scheme. A spokesperson said it is "not possible to simply exclude one or two offenders" convicted of manslaughter, as the offence is not classified separately in law. The government has argued that excluding specific cases would risk prison overcrowding and undermine public safety.
Public petition gathers 880,000 signatures
More than 880,000 people have signed a petition demanding that Cole and Bowers remain in prison. Pc Harper’s mother, Debbie Adlam, told ITV News she has received no official communication from the government about the case. She said, "Nobody has been in touch officially to tell me what the situation is. I’ve heard nothing from the government."
“If you kill a police officer, there should be no early release. No ifs. No buts.”
Adlam described herself as "more angry than ever" and criticised Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for not contacting her during his nationwide tour. Burnham has defended the government’s decision to exclude certain offences, such as rape and serious child sex crimes, from early release but said further exemptions risked prison capacity collapse.
Government defends sentencing changes
The early release scheme, introduced under the Sentencing Act earlier this year, reduces the minimum time many offenders must serve. Around 5,000 prisoners are expected to be released early, down from an initial estimate of 6,000 after exemptions were added. Those freed will be subject to stricter probation conditions, including electronic tagging and random drug testing.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the Prime Minister "wants to go even further" in addressing prison overcrowding but insisted the current measures were necessary to prevent the system from reaching capacity. The spokesperson added that allowing police to stop making arrests or courts to halt prosecutions would pose a greater risk to public safety.
What happens next
Cole and Bowers remain eligible for release in January unless the government introduces further exemptions. The Ministry of Justice has not confirmed whether it will review the case. Pc Harper’s family and supporters continue to campaign for a change in the law to prevent early release for those convicted of killing emergency workers.
Questions this report answers
01Why are Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers eligible for early release?
They were sentenced to 13 years for the manslaughter of Pc Andrew Harper but could be released halfway under the government’s early release scheme. Downing Street says it cannot exempt individual offenders from the scheme, which applies to around 5,000 prisoners to ease prison overcrowding.
02How many people have signed the petition against their release?
More than 880,000 people have signed a petition calling for Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers to remain in prison. The petition argues that their early release would be unjust given the circumstances of Pc Harper’s death.
03What conditions will apply if they are released early?
Those released early under the scheme will face stricter probation conditions, including electronic monitoring, random drug testing, and possible bans from driving, pubs, or large events. The government says these measures are designed to protect public safety.
04What is the government’s position on exempting them from early release?
Downing Street has said it is "not possible" to exempt individual offenders convicted of manslaughter, as the offence is not legally distinct. The government argues that further exemptions could risk prison overcrowding and undermine the justice system’s ability to function.
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