Two of PC Andrew Harper's killers may be eligible for early release from prison under a new sentencing scheme, prompting strong criticism from his mother and police representatives.
Details of the case
PC Andrew Harper, 28, died in August 2019 after being caught in a strap attached to a car and dragged down a country road while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Three teenage suspects fled the scene.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, passengers in the car and both 17 at the time, were sentenced to 13 years in custody for manslaughter in 2020. Henry Long, the driver, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release.
Early release scheme
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that Cole and Bowers may be released halfway through their sentences under the new Sentencing Act, effective from September. The scheme could see around 6,000 criminals released early. The government has not yet confirmed whether killers, rapists, or paedophiles will be exempt.
PC Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, told the Telegraph: "It makes me feel sick. Andrew's life doesn't get to come back. It feels like a slap in the face and an insult." She added that "people are getting a free pass for crime" in the UK.
Official responses
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "This was a horrific crime, and our deepest sympathies are with Pc Andrew Harper's family and friends. In 2024, the country was facing a prison crisis and a total breakdown of law and order, with judges ordered to stop jailing dangerous criminals. This Government is committed to public safety."
The Police Federation for England and Wales called the policy "disgusting" on X. Deputy national chairman Brian Booth said: "Police officers from across the country stood side by side to honour Andrew Harper at his funeral. They and every serving officer will be utterly sickened at the prospect of Bowers and Cole being back on the streets so soon."
Campaign for justice
PC Harper's widow, Lissie Harper, campaigned for Harper's Law, which extends mandatory life sentences for manslaughter of emergency workers on duty. The law is not retrospective, so it does not apply to her husband's killers.
Aileen O'Connor, chairwoman of Thames Valley Police Federation, said: "The killers of Pc Andrew Harper should be kept where they belong – behind bars. Police across Thames Valley – and indeed the country – will be disgusted at the prospect of these smirking lowlifes being free to roam the streets."
New Justice Secretary Alex Norris has been urged to reconsider the scheme. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: "The Government's fully focused on keeping the public safe. We've got no option but to take decisive action to fix the crisis in our prisons."
