GB News paused for a breaking news announcement on Friday as a petition calling on the government to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers reached one million signatures. Presenter Ellie Costello revealed the milestone during the broadcast, saying: "Breaking news in the past few moments that a petition calling on the government to stop the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers has now hit one million signatures."
Public Outrage Over Potential Early Release
Co-presenter Mark White noted that public pressure has been growing since it emerged that Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, two of PC Harper's three killers, could be freed as early as next year under measures designed to ease prison overcrowding. Costello described the development as "proof of the strength of public feeling," recalling how Cole and Bowers were "laughing and sneering" at cameras during their court appearance.
"The public has seen them and they are outraged that they could be released early," she added. White expressed strong disapproval, calling the killers "three little scumbags without a doubt," and highlighted the lack of remorse shown for ending the young officer's life, devastating his family and widow. He noted that PC Harper's family had successfully campaigned for a change in the law ensuring anyone involved in the death of an emergency service worker is sentenced to life in prison.
Political Pressure Mounts
Andy Burnham is facing mounting pressure to ensure Cole and Bowers are not released early. MPs from all three major political parties in the Thames Valley have written to the prime minister urging him to keep the pair behind bars.
Labour's early prison release scheme sparked widespread outrage in July when it emerged that PC Harper's killers could be released after serving less than half of their 13-year sentence. The prime minister announced that prisoners convicted of rape, grooming, and serious child sex offences would be excluded from the scheme, but said prison overcrowding is preventing the same from applying to other criminals.
Background of the Case
PC Harper died in 2019 after being caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and dragged down a country road as three teenage suspects fled the scene of a burglary. Bowers and Cole were sentenced to 13 years in prison for manslaughter in 2020, while the driver, Henry Long, received a 16-year jail term.
