Thames Valley police leaders unite to oppose early release of PC Harper's killers

The intervention comes as more than 150,000 people signed a petition in less than 24 hours calling on ministers to exclude those convicted of killing police officers from the Government’s early release reforms.

Under changes announced this week, offenders convicted of rape, child sexual abuse and grooming offences will be excluded from early release measures aimed at easing prison overcrowding. However, the changes do not extend to those convicted of killing police officers.

Chief Constable Jason Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber and Thames Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O’Connor said they would continue pressing ministers to amend the legislation.

Ms O’Connor described the decision as “an insult” to the policing family. “I challenge the Prime Minister and the Justice Secretary to stand before Andrew’s widow, Lissie, his parents, his brother, his loved ones, or indeed any police officer in this country, and explain why those responsible for killing a police officer should still be eligible for early release,” she said.

“This decision pours salt into wounds that have never healed. It is an insult to Andrew’s family, his friends, his colleagues and the entire policing family.”

She said the Federation would pursue “every avenue”, including legal action, to challenge the decision.

Mr Barber said the prospect of the offenders’ early release had exposed shortcomings in the Sentencing Act. “The public expects the Government to be on their side – and on the side of our police officers – who put themselves in danger on our behalf,” he said.

“It would be a huge disservice to Andrew and his family if, despite a change in the law, two of his killers were released early. This cannot be allowed to happen.”

Mr Hogg said the decision was “demoralising” for police officers and other emergency workers. “We stand with Andrew’s family, the Police Federation and our Police and Crime Commissioner in our dismay, and we will continue to lobby the Government to make the right decision,” he said.

PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, urged people to back the petition, describing the Government’s announcement as “a secondary gut punch”.

“The sentences Andrew’s killers received were pitiful, and the fact we are hearing these absurd reasons for early release like prisons being too full is disgraceful and disgusting,” she said. “Please sign and share this petition far and wide. We will not give up.”

Two of the three men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Harper are expected to become eligible for release under the Government’s revised early release arrangements after serving less than half of their 13-year sentences.