PC Andrew Harper killers ‘set for early release from jail’ | UK | News
The murderers caged following the death of PC Andrew Harper will reportedly be released from prison early as part of Labor’s controversial plans to tackle overcrowding in prisons in England. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were inside a car that dragged Andrew to his death in 2019 when his ankles became trapped in a tow rope.
Thames Valley Police constable Andrew, 28, had attended with a colleague to reports of quad bike theft and theft near Sulhamstead, Berks, and bravely tried to stop Bowers, Cole, then 17, and Henry Long, then 18.
Bowers and Cole were sentenced to 13 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter in 2020, and Long, the driver of the car, was also sentenced to 16 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Andrew died just a month after marrying his wife Lissie.
It has now been revealed that Cole and Bowers are eligible for release after just six years under the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) controversial early release scheme; Labor claims this will help ease pressure on the country’s prisons. According to reports, Long is not eligible for release under the program.
The Telegraph reported Andrew’s mother, Debbie Adlam, has been told her son’s killer could have his sentence reduced in a letter from the Ministry of Justice that understates that the cables would reveal “difficult” information.
He told the newspaper that the possible decision to release the killers felt like “an insult beyond words.”
Ms Adlam added: “This makes me sick. Andrew’s life will not come back. It feels like a slap in the face and an insult.”
According to reports, it is not known when Bowers or Cole may be released, but it is estimated that it may be at the end of this year.
Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy told The Telegraph it would be “an absolute disgrace” to release the murderers and called on Labor to support the Conservatives on “emergency legislation to stop the release of sex offenders and despicable criminals like these murderers”.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “This was a horrific crime and we share our deepest condolences with the family and friends of Pc Andrew Harper.
“In 2024, the country was facing a prison crisis and law and order was completely breaking down, with judges ordered to stop imprisoning dangerous criminals.
“This government is committed to public safety: we are building prisons at the fastest pace since the Victorian era and taking the tough decisions needed to lock up the most dangerous criminals.”
