PM pauses plans to release some prisoners early

The move comes after the family of the Thames Valley Police officer criticised provisions in the Sentencing Act that could allow Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers to be released early on electronic tags. The Prime Minister said: “No prisoners will be let out under this policy until we have conducted an urgent review and done everything we can to minimise risk to the public.”

Unlike previous emergency measures under which tens of thousands of prisoners were released in the early months of Keir Starmer’s government, the new Sentencing Act includes no exemptions for prisoners convicted of serious crimes, domestic abuse or terrorism.

PC Harper was 28 when he sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. Cole and Bowers, who were passengers in the vehicle and both 17 at the time, were sentenced to 13 years in custody for manslaughter but may be eligible for early release under the new provisions.

His widow, Lissie Harper, successfully campaigned for legal changes, called Harper’s Law, to bring in harsher sentences for the manslaughter of emergency workers on duty.

In a statement, she said: “When I fought for Harper’s Law, I was supported not only by the Conservative government of the day but by the Labour party too. They pledged to support our cause and agreed that those who kill emergency workers should face tougher sentences because some crimes are so grave they demand meaningful punishment.

“That cross-party support helped make Harper’s Law a reality. Today, it feels forgotten.”

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg: “The tragedy of Andrew Harper’s death has had a lasting impact, both within Thames Valley Police and across policing and our communities nationally. It is a real and constant reminder of the dedication of officers and staff who respond without hesitation to protect their communities.

“Under the law that bears Andrew’s name, if his killers were convicted today, they would be receiving life sentences. For this reason, for them to be released early under the new Sentencing Act legislation feels wrong. I have written to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and the Justice Secretary to make my opinion on this clear.”

Aileen O’Connor, Chair 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. These killers have never shown any remorse for their horrific and deadly actions that night.

“Andrew’s wife Lissie and his whole family are serving a life sentence. The least we can expect is that his killers serve their whole sentence. However poor it already is.

“We will be taking this matter up with the Police Minister, the Home Secretary and the new Prime Minister. We will not stop. Andrew deserves nothing less. What message does this send about the worth of a life of a police officer? The Government and the parole board must reconsider any plans to release Andrew’s killers early. And they must do it now. No ifs. No buts.”