The Police Federation has threatened legal action to prevent the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, convicted of manslaughter in the death of PC Andrew Harper. Aileen O'Connor, who chairs the body representing officers in the force where PC Harper served, said the decision would anger and devastate the morale of serving officers in the region.
Background of the Case
PC Harper, 28, was killed in August 2019 while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. He died after becoming entangled in a strap attached to a car and being dragged along a country road as three teenage suspects fled the scene.
Cole and Bowers received 13-year sentences for manslaughter and are eligible for release halfway through their terms. Henry Long, the driver, was handed a 16-year sentence and would not be eligible for the Government's early release scheme.
Government Policy and Exemptions
The Government announced on Monday that certain offences would be exempt from early release, including rape, serious sexual abuse of children, and grooming gang offences. However, other criminals are still set to be freed earlier than originally scheduled. The policy was introduced as prison capacity has come under severe pressure, amid fears that courts could be unable to jail offenders if the crisis persists.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris said families affected by the scheme are "carrying the can" for failures of previous Conservative governments. Around 5,000 people are expected to be freed early under the sentencing changes, reduced from 6,000 after ministers exempted rapists and child sex offenders.
Police Federation's Response
Writing in the Sun, Ms O'Connor said she would "not forget the Government's inexplicable and unforgivable decision to allow those who kill police officers to be released early from jail". She said: "We will throw everything at this through a proper legal challenge from KCs, barristers, you name it. Our colleagues will accept nothing less."
She added: "We will do what we have to do to protect Andrew Harper's legacy and other victims up and down the country who don't have a platform to put their points across." Ms O'Connor described the decision as an "insult" to his family, friends, and officers across the nation.
Petition and Further Concerns
A petition launched by the Police Federation on Tuesday has already garnered 100,000 signatures. It follows reports in the Times that historical child sex abusers may still be eligible for early release, despite Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledging to exclude them. Ministers confirmed on Monday that rapists and serious child sex offenders would be exempt from the scheme, following a review ordered by Mr Burnham.
Mr Norris said he "wanted to go further" with the exemptions but was unable to do so as the prison estate would fill up "very quickly". Speaking during a visit to HMP Welland Oaks, a prison under construction in Leicestershire, he told reporters: "It is important we've been able to take out the offences that we have. Of course, we wanted to do more. I've had those conversations."
The Prison Governors' Association has criticised the late change to the policy, warning it had placed "huge pressure" on prison staff, making mistakes "more likely". The Government has pledged to deliver 14,000 new prison spaces by 2031. Mr Norris confirmed that he had apologised to some families affected, including relatives of PC Harper.
