Widow of PC Andrew Harper condemns ‘deplorable’ politicians as row deepens over plans to release his killers from prison early

The widow of hero PC Andrew Harper has hit out at the ‘deplorable’ Labor Government after it was announced that two of his murderers would be released early from prison.

Amid controversy over Labour’s soft justice programme, Lissie Harper accused politicians of failing to adequately appreciate the suffering of victims’ families.

The childhood sweethearts had been married for just four weeks when PC Harper, 28, was dragged to his death in 2019 as the three teenagers tried to steal a quad bike.

Henry Long, the driver of the vehicle that caused PC Harper’s death, was sentenced to 16 years in prison and will not benefit from the early release programme.

But Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the car and were 17 at the time, were sentenced to 13 years in prison for manslaughter following a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020 and are expected to be released from custody this year.

Now making a scathing statement that will put further pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham, especially after two of her ministers were caught laughing about the plan, Mrs Harper said: ‘It has taken me years to rebuild a life that was torn apart in a matter of minutes.

‘Years have passed to pick up the pieces left behind by three men whose actions robbed Andrew of his life and our future.

‘Now – once again – politicians are at the table making decisions that will have real and lasting consequences for families of victims like mine.

Widow Mrs Harper today announced plans for the early release of her two murderers

‘It is very sad to me that we have come to a point where even the early release of prisoners is considered acceptable.’

Ms Harper, who was awarded an MBE for campaigning in her memory, said she felt ‘forgotten’ by politicians who helped strengthen legislation protecting frontline emergency workers.

He added: ‘We talk about justice, accountability and standing up for victims, but decisions like this do the exact opposite.

‘They tell victims that the pain they inflict is less important and that the sentence our courts impose on criminals is no longer the sentence they will actually serve.

‘When I fought for Harper’s Law I was supported not only by the then Conservative government, but also by the Labor Party.

‘They have pledged to support our cause and agreed that those who kill emergency workers should face tougher penalties because some crimes are so serious they demand meaningful sentences.

‘This cross-party support helped make Harper’s Law a reality. It seems to have been forgotten today.

‘For the families of the victims, this has nothing to do with politics. It’s about whether a sentence means what the judge says it means.

‘It’s about whether justice is something we truly believe in, or something that can be negotiated away when it becomes inappropriate.

‘Andrew deserves better. Every victim deserves better.

‘And the British people deserve a justice system they can trust.’

Mrs Harper met with Conservative and Labor politicians as part of her successful campaign to introduce legislation in memory of her late husband

Mr Burnham said today that PC Harper will review the early release policy for prisoners designed to ease pressure on the prison population as he comes under increasing pressure to take action, including from the chief of Thames Valley Police.

Bowers and Cole, both 17 at the time, were passengers in the car that dragged PC Harper across the road after his ankles were caught in the tow rope as he bravely tried to stop them stealing a quad bike.

The 28-year-old police officer was due to take a break from his recent marriage and embark on a honeymoon, but was determined to intervene after receiving a call near Sulhamstead in Berkshire in the early hours of August 15, 2019.

The thieves tried to escape in a car driven by the third killer, Long, but he ambushed PC Harper, speeding him down the winding country road.

PC Harper’s injuries were so serious that those arriving at the scene initially thought they had encountered the carcass of a deer.

Two of the killers, who showed little remorse, are now expected to be released as part of Labor’s efforts to ease chronic overcrowding in prisons; This decision was met with outrage from PC Harper’s family, the police community and politicians.

Thames Valley Police Federation president Aileen O’Connor, who represents colleagues from PC Harper’s force, said: ‘PC Andrew Harper’s killers should be kept where they belong… behind bars.

‘The police in the Thames Valley – and indeed the country – will be disgusted at the prospect of these grinning tramps roaming the streets freely.

Henry Long (left), Jessie Cole (centre) and Albert Bowers (right) jailed for the death of PC Harper

‘These murderers have never shown remorse for the horrific and deadly actions they committed that night.

‘Andrew’s wife Lissie and his entire family are serving a life sentence. At least we can expect his murderers to serve their full sentence. No matter how poor he is.

‘We will discuss this issue with the Minister of Security, the Minister of Internal Affairs and the new Prime Minister. We won’t stop. Andrew deserves nothing less.

‘What message does this send about the value of a police officer’s life? The government and the parole board must reconsider plans to release Andrew’s killers early.

‘And they need to do it now – no ifs, no buts.’

The Conservatives’ shadow justice secretary, Nick Timothy, called on Labor to ‘stop the release of despicable criminals like these murderers’.

He said: ‘Labour has said it will not reduce sentences for the most heinous crimes.

‘It would be an absolute disgrace if PC Andrew Harper’s murderers were released from prison early.’

The Harpers had only been married for four weeks when PC Harper was killed.

Bowers and Cole are among thousands of criminals who will benefit from the Workers’ Penalty Act, part of a long-term plan to reduce the prison population.

From September, violent and sex offenders will be allowed to be released after serving only half their sentences instead of two-thirds.

Other criminals may be released after serving only one-third of the sentence imposed by the court, provided they demonstrate good behavior while in prison.

The murderers will not be considered because they face mandatory life sentences and must serve a minimum number of years.

Long is not eligible for early release under the program, but will be able to apply for parole after half of his sentence.

The campaign launched after the sentencing led to the passage of the ‘Harper Law’, which introduced life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of killing emergency workers while committing a crime.

However, this is not retroactive, meaning PC Harper’s murderers cannot have their sentences extended.

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: ‘Under the law named after Andrew, his killers would be sentenced to life imprisonment if convicted today.

‘Therefore it seems wrong that they should be released early under the new Criminal Code legislation.

‘I wrote to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Minister of Justice to express my opinion clearly on this issue.’

Claire Waxman, Victims Commissioner for England and Wales, welcomed the Prime Minister’s determination to review the early release plan for prisoners before the first releases take place in September.

‘As things stand, I have no confidence that these releases can be managed in a way that fully protects victims, protects the public and maintains confidence in the justice system.’

PC Harper’s mother Debbie Adlam said the prospect of two of her son’s killers being released early was ‘an insult beyond words’.

‘This makes me sick,’ he told the Telegraph.

‘Andrew’s life will not come back. It feels like a slap in the face and an insult.

‘In this country, people get a free pass for crime. I like to be proud of my country, but this is not something to be proud of. There are so many things going wrong.’

Meanwhile, new Defense Secretary Wes Streeting was forced to apologize for microphone-recorded comments about the early release of prisoners.

Mr Streeting made the remarks in a meeting with Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood and new Justice Minister Alex Norris on Tuesday.

In overheard comments, Mr Streeting suggested to Ms Mahmood that Mr Norris was ‘the enemy now’ and ‘wants to take them all out’.

Mr Streeting told X that the remark was a reference to a joke shared between former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May and former chancellor and home secretary Kenneth Clarke.

He wrote: ‘I hope everyone can see that there is no ill will behind this rebuke of the new Minister of Justice; This was a reference to an old May/Clarke joke.

‘But I recognize these are very serious matters and I apologize for any offense this moment of levity has inadvertently caused.’

Ms Mahmood also said there was ‘no ill intent’ in ‘vaccinating’ Mr Norris.

Mr Burnham later said the comments were unacceptable.