PM orders review to block early release of PC Harper’s killers

The Prime Minister has ordered a review of early-release plans to prevent two men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper from walking free next year. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole are scheduled for release halfway through their 13-year sentences under government measures to ease prison overcrowding. The decision follows a petition signed by more than one million people opposing their early release.

Petition reaches one million signatures

Aileen O’Connor, chairwoman of Thames Valley Police Federation, launched the petition after the government announced plans to release some prisoners early to free up prison space. The petition reached one million signatures on Friday, as reported by *The Standard*. O’Connor said the federation chose not to mark the seventh anniversary of Harper’s death with public events out of respect for his family.

PC Harper, 28, died in August 2019 after being dragged by a car while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Bowers and Cole were among three men convicted of his manslaughter. The third, Henry Long, died in prison in 2022.

Government under pressure from police leaders

The Prime Minister told *The Standard* he is “increasingly confident” the killers will not be released early. He ordered Justice Secretary Alex Norris to draft new plans to prioritise prison space for serious offenders. The government previously exempted rapists and serious child sex offenders from early release but did not extend the exemption to Harper’s killers.

Fifty police leaders, including Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Greater Manchester Chief Constable Stephen Watson, wrote to the Prime Minister demanding stronger safeguards. Their letter, reported by *The Standard*, called for “every lawful option” to block the early release of Bowers and Cole. They also urged the government to ensure victims’ families are consulted before future sentencing changes.

What happens next

The Justice Secretary is expected to present new proposals to the Prime Minister within weeks. It is unclear whether the government will amend the Sentencing Act to include manslaughter offences or introduce separate measures for Harper’s killers. The petition remains open for signatures, with no formal deadline for public responses.