Harper killers excluded from early release as Burnham changes scheme

Andy Burnham announces anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, will be exempt from the early release scheme, affecting Pc Andrew Harper's killers.

Brit Brief 30/08/2026 04:45

Harper killers excluded from early release as Burnham changes scheme — Harper killers barred from early release under new rules

Andy Burnham has announced that anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, will be exempt from the early release scheme. The change means Pc Andrew Harper's killers will remain in prison.

New exemption for unlawful killing

The Prime Minister's announcement follows the case of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, two of Pc Andrew Harper's killers, who were pictured in reports. The new policy explicitly excludes individuals convicted of unlawful killing from early release eligibility.

This is a breaking news story. More follows.