The Prime Minister is reportedly prepared to "explore every option" to block the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, a Government insider told the Telegraph on Friday.
PC Harper was 28 years old when he sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. He died after getting 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 the burglary.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the car and both 17 years old at the time, were handed 13 years in custody for manslaughter after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020.
Early release scheme under review
Soft-justice plans to free Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole halfway through their 13-year jail terms were paused last month. But following a review, there will be no change to manslaughter cases, which means the two thugs could be out in months.
The driver of the vehicle that caused PC Harper's death, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and will not be eligible for the scheme.
The Government has so far resisted mounting pressure to exclude the two killers from its early release scheme, which is set to begin in October in a bid to ease prison overcrowding.
Mr Burnham said earlier this week he had "pushed to the very limits of what is possible to do without risking the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing" by excluding sentences for "rape, serious child sex offences and other grooming offences" from eligibility.
Around 5,000 prisoners to be freed early
Around 5,000 prisoners are expected to be freed early under the sentencing changes, reduced from 6,000 following the exemptions announced as part of an urgent review of the scheme.
However, under current plans, Cole and Bowers remain eligible to be released halfway through their 13-year sentences, having been convicted of manslaughter in 2020 following PC Harper's death in 2019.
Downing Street has been approached for comment regarding Mr Burnham's reported deliberations over blocking their release.
Chief Constable's statement
Thames Valley Police has issued a statement on PC Andrew Harper's killers being eligible for early release. Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: "I am beyond disappointed the Government is continuing to allow PC Andrew Harper's killers to be released early from prison despite the overwhelming recent public outcry.
"It is simple: if Andrew's killers were convicted today, they would receive life sentences due to the law that was created in his name. They would not be eligible for early release.
"This decision is demoralising for all police officers and our fellow emergency service workers, not just in the Thames Valley, that puts themselves in harm's way to protect and serve their community.
"We stand with Andrew's family, the Police Federation, our Police and Crime Commissioner in our dismay and we will continue to lobby the Government to make the right decision."
PC Harper's family have voiced fury and dismay at the decision not to exclude Cole and Bowers from the plans as well.
The early release modifications formed part of the Sentencing Act passed earlier this year that reduced the minimum period many offenders would be required to serve behind bars.
Those released will be subject to stricter probation conditions, including electronic monitoring, random drug testing and potential bans from driving, pubs and events such as football matches.
