PC Harper widow slams ‘deplorable’ plans to free killers | UK | News

The widow of police hero Andrew Harper said victims of crime “deserve better” as it emerged two of his killers could be released halfway through their sentences. Amid controversy over Labour’s early release plan, Lissie Harper, who married the PC a month before he was dragged to his death, branded the prospect of their freedom “pathetic”.

He declared: “Andrew deserves better. Every victim deserves better.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham promised yesterday: “I will review this entire policy.”

Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2020 for the manslaughter of 28-year-old PC Harper. However, the pair are now eligible to be released under the Ministry of Justice’s early release plan. Henry Long, who was driving the car that sped him down a winding country road, was sentenced to 16 years in prison and will not be eligible for release under the policy.

Lissie, who was awarded an MBE for campaigning in memory of her husband, said: “It took me years to rebuild a life that fell apart in a matter of minutes.

“Years have passed to pick up the pieces left behind by three men whose actions stole Andrew’s life and robbed us of our future. “It is heartbreaking to me that we have come to a point where even releasing prisoners early is deemed acceptable.

“We talk about justice, accountability and standing with victims, but decisions like this do the exact opposite.

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

It is planned to release 6,000 criminals under the Criminal Code that will come into force in September. The government has not yet clarified whether murderers, rapists and pedophiles will be among those released.

Mr Burnham said: “All I can say is that I will be reviewing this entire policy. “There is no denying the pressure on prisons.

“I can guarantee that I will examine every aspect of this matter with the Minister of Justice. I cannot say that I can completely change the policy, but I will examine it in detail before going any further.”

The national outcry over PC’s murder resulted in the Harper Act, which introduced life sentences for criminals who killed emergency workers while committing a crime.

But his widow, Lissie, says everything now “feels forgotten”. He added: “Andrew deserves better. Every victim deserves better. And the British people deserve a justice system they can trust.”

PC Harper’s mother Debbie Adlam told the Express: “Receiving the update was terrifying [that] it can. “Basically, I expect to find out by the end of August whether our criminals are involved… but that is terrifying for any victim.”

On Wednesday, Mr Burnham scolded two cabinet ministers for joking about the release plan. He said it was unacceptable to underestimate efforts to alleviate overcrowding in prisons.

Defense Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood were caught on live microphone as they waited in a Downing Street garden for broadcasters to film.

Ms Mahmood approached Justice Minister Alex Norris for a hug and asked: “Can I be like a proud mother?” but Mr Streeting interjected: “You know he’s the enemy now.”

“No it’s not,” he said, and Mr Streeting added: “He wants to let them all out!” as the two laugh.

Asked during his visit to Bath whether this was acceptable, Mr Burnham said: “No, it was not and an apology was certainly made.”

Kemi Badenoch accused her Cabinet of “joking about letting criminals out of prison early” and said her Conservative Party “will continue to fight this disgusting policy”.

He added: “If Andy Burnham wants to show real leadership he will call for an immediate end to Labour’s early release scheme.

“The public was rightly outraged at the early release of gang perpetrators, alongside other rapists and pedophiles. The public will be doubly disgusted to see PC Andrew Harper’s murderers also eligible for early release.

“My heart goes out to the victims and their families who have had to deal with this terrible situation. Our new Prime Minister must show that he understands how painful this is for those involved and how horrified the public are, and draw a line under this terrible policy.”

Ms Adlam added: “To see ministers joke about ‘letting them all out’ seems to belittle such a serious issue affecting the lives of so many victims.”

Bowers and Cole, then 17, were in the car that drove them to their deaths when PC Harper’s ankles were caught in the tow rope as he tried to stop them stealing a quad bike.

The officer was supposed to be off duty and start his honeymoon, but wanted to intervene after receiving the call near Sulhamstead, Berks, in the early hours of August 15, 2019.

PC Harper’s injuries were so severe that the first people on the scene initially thought they had found the carcass of a deer.

Aileen O’Connor, who chairs the Thames Valley Police Federation and represents colleagues in the PC Harper force, said: “PC Andrew Harper’s killers must be kept behind bars where they belong.

“Police in the Thames Valley and indeed the country will be disgusted at the prospect of these grinning scoundrels going free.”

Victims Commissioner for England and Wales Claire Waxman said: “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.”

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the possible release as “an insult to the memory of Andrew Harper and to the police officers who put themselves at risk every day”.

He added: “These criminals were found guilty of murdering an on-duty police officer. They should not be released after half their sentence.

“This has understandably left PC Harper’s widow understandably devastated. Once again the Labor government is ignoring the wishes of victims of crime. Early release schemes are allowing rapists and serious criminals to be released from prison early and this needs to be scrapped urgently.”