Jessie Cole, one of the killers of PC Andrew Harper, has been listed as a 'violent' danger to prison staff despite being considered for the early release scheme aimed at freeing up space in jail. Cole, 29, who was sentenced to 13 years for the officer's manslaughter in 2020 alongside Albert Bowers, could be released in January under controversial plans to tackle prison overcrowding.
Background of the case
PC Harper, from Wallingford, Oxfordshire, died seven years ago when he was dragged by a car as three teenagers fled the scene of a quad bike theft. Henry Long, the driver, was given a longer 16-year jail term and cannot be considered for freedom. This weekend, an online petition to block the early release of the killers hit more than one million signatures.
Prison risk assessments
Cole is still held at HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire, one of the country's highest security prisons, because he would pose a danger in a more open jail, according to reports. It is claimed the 29-year-old is marked on prison files as "violent", a "risk to staff" and "a climber".
"Jessie should never have been considered for early release because of his crime," a source told The Sun. "But his behaviour and danger risk also show exactly why Jessie is not ready to be freed - he is a difficult and dangerous prisoner and a lot of inmates and staff are terrified of him. Jessie is still classed as a Category A prisoner too, which is the most dangerous. And he has all these alerts on him which is usually down to behaviour like violence and threats inside."
Government review and backlash
The new Prime Minister has ordered an urgent review into the controversial plan after angry backlash. A change was expected to sentencing rules from October 1, meaning most adults serving a standard prison sentence would be released earlier than the date originally set. Prisoners convicted of less serious offences were also expected to leave jail after a third of their sentence.
Pressure has been mounting on Andy Burnham to change their eligibility, with two open letters sent to him demanding action. In an unprecedented move, dozens of high-ranking officers have written to the PM with three key demands, as Burnham comes under increasing pressure from victims' families not to allow the thugs to go free in January.
Police chiefs' demands
Burnham said he is "increasingly confident" the killers of PC Harper will not be released early, but that hasn't stopped the open letter being published. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson and Commissioner Pete O'Doherty were just two of the officials to put their name to it.
They asked the Government to consider three measures, and wanted every lawful option examined to determine whether the earlier release of those responsible for the PC's death could be prevented. They also ask for additional public protection safeguarding to be established in cases involving the most serious offenders whenever future changes to sentencing on release arrangements are considered. Thirdly, they demanded victims and bereaved families must be "properly considered" whenever significant changes are made to sentencing or release arrangements.
