Andy Burnham is facing mounting pressure to stop the early prison release of PC Andrew Harper's killers, after more than 645,000 people signed a petition calling on him to intervene. The petition, launched by Aileen O'Connor, chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation, has seen its support surge by thousands this morning and continues to grow.
Petition challenges early release decision
The petition argues that releasing Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted of manslaughter over PC Harper's death, is an insult to the officer's family and the entire policing community. It challenges the Prime Minister and Justice Secretary to explain to PC Harper's widow, Lissie, why those responsible for killing a police officer should still be eligible for early release.
The Prime Minister has tightened the rules so that rape, serious child sexual offences, and grooming are excluded from the early release scheme. However, manslaughter charges are not on the exemptions list, meaning Cole and Bowers could be freed early under sentencing changes due to take effect this autumn.
Government defends necessary measures
Justice Secretary Alex Norris has apologised to PC Harper's family but insisted the measures are necessary to prevent jails from running out of space. He said he and the Prime Minister are "angry" about the situation, but stressed the need for a functioning prison system.
Former Detective Superintendent Stuart Blaik, who led the investigation into PC Harper's case, said he was "appalled" that the killers would be freed early. He told the BBC that neither showed remorse during custody or trial, and hoped the Government would heed public feeling.
Police consider legal challenge
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said he is receiving legal advice on whether the force could join a legal challenge mooted by Ms O'Connor to prevent the release. PC Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, said her family is "bitterly disappointed," while his widow Lissie Harper said the Government "has punched us in the gut."
Home Office minister Anna Turley described the case as "horrendous" but did not commit to changing the rules. She said the prison system is at "absolute breaking point" and that difficult decisions are necessary to avoid a total breakdown.
Background of the case
PC Harper sustained fatal injuries in August 2019 while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. He was dragged along a country road after becoming caught in a strap attached to a car driven by Henry Long, who received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release. Cole and Bowers, passengers in the car, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter and would become eligible after serving half their sentences.
The Prime Minister has said he wanted to "go further" with exemptions but said it was "not possible without the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing." Mr Burnham is also reportedly "urgently" identifying grooming gang perpetrators who might still be freed early due to a loophole, as some were jailed before anti-grooming laws were introduced in 2003.
