It is confirmed that the individuals responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper will be granted early release from prison, despite significant public outcry. PC Harper, aged 28, sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. He lost his life after becoming entangled in a strap attached to a car and dragged along a country road by three teenage suspects fleeing the burglary scene.
Following a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 17 years old at the time, were sentenced to 13 years in custody for manslaughter. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has now confirmed that these individuals may be released from prison halfway through their sentences.
Plans to release Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole halfway through their 13-year jail terms were temporarily halted but have since been reinstated, indicating that the two could potentially be released in the coming months. Lissie Harper, the widow of PC Andrew Harper, expressed her outrage at the decision, stating that she feels betrayed by the Government and justice system.
Under the upcoming Sentencing Act set to be implemented in September, approximately 6,000 offenders are expected to be released early from prison. However, the driver, Henry Long, who caused PC Harper’s death, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release.
Thames Valley Police has issued a statement condemning the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers. Chief Constable Jason Hogg expressed disappointment in the decision, emphasizing that if the perpetrators were convicted today, they would receive life sentences under laws inspired by PC Harper’s case.
PC Harper responded to the quad bike incident just before his honeymoon was scheduled to begin. Following his tragic death, his wife campaigned for legal changes leading to the introduction of Harper’s Law, which extends mandatory life sentences to those who commit the manslaughter of emergency workers on duty.
Despite these new measures, they are not retroactive, meaning PC Harper’s killers will not have their sentences extended. The early releases are set to commence in October of this year.
