PC Andrew Harper’s mum slams ‘slap in face’ as killers might get early launch
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper may be eligible for early release under the government’s new Sentencing Act
PC Andrew Harper’s mum says she is ‘insulted’ by their eligibility for early release(Image: PA)
PC Andrew Harper’s mother says she feels ‘sick’ as those responsible for her son’s death may be eligible for early release due to the government’s new Sentencing Act.
PC Harper suffered fatal injuries while attending to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019.
The newly married 28 year old tragically died after becoming entangled in a strap connected to the rear of a car and was dragged along a country lane as three teenage suspects escaped from the burglary scene.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the car and both 17 at the time, received 13 years in custody for manslaughter following a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020.
The Ministry of Justice have now confirmed both men could be eligible for release from prison halfway through their sentences.
Andrew Harper and wife Lissie(Image: undefined)
PC Harper’s mother, Debbie Adlam, has described this as a ‘slap in the face’.
Set to be implemented in September, the new Sentencing Act will result in approximately 6,000 criminals being released under the early prison release scheme.
The scheme has been criticised as the government has yet to confirm whether murderers, rapists and paedophiles will be excluded from the scheme.
However, it is certain that the driver of the vehicle that caused Pc Harper’s death, Henry Long, who was given a 16-year sentence, will not qualify for the scheme.
PC Harper’s mother informed the Telegraph that the MoJ sent her a letter notifying her that their sentences could be reduced.
Adlam expressed: “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 further commented that “people are getting a free pass for crime ” in the UK.
Debbie Adlam says the decision is a ‘slap in the face’(Image: undefined)
The release of the murderers has also been branded as “disgusting” by the Police Federation for England and Wales on X.
Its deputy national chair, Brian Booth, stated: “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”.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice 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: we are building prison places at the fastest rate since the Victorian era, and taking the difficult decisions needed to lock up the most dangerous offenders.”
The government has maintained that the act will not result in early releases for offenders considered “the most dangerous”, including those on extended determinate or life sentences.
Pc Harper was about to finish his shift and start his honeymoon with wife Lissie Harper when he responded to the quad bike call.
Following her husband’s death, she fought for legislative reforms to introduce tougher penalties for the manslaughter of emergency workers while on duty.
PC Andrew Harper’s colleague continually pay tribute to him(Image: Getty)
Harper’s Law featured amongst the fresh provisions in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.
The change extends mandatory life terms to anyone who commits the manslaughter of an emergency worker on duty including police, prison officers, firefighters and paramedics.
However, as it is not retrospective PC Harper’s killers cannot have their sentences lengthened.
Fresh Justice Secretary Alex Norris has been pressed to reconsider the early release programme after being appointed by Andy Burnham on Monday.
Asked about reports that the Prime Minister could be working on exempting rapists and child groomers from the scheme, his spokesman 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. I’m not going to get into speculation over possible policy changes.
“Of course, the Prime Minister will take decisions on all manner of policy areas in the future, including how we get justice for victims.”
