Fifty police chiefs across the UK have united in a powerful plea to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to explore “every legal option” to halt the early release of the men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper. The 28-year-old officer tragically lost his life in 2019, dragged behind a vehicle by three teenagers fleeing a quad bike theft in Berkshire. This latest intervention comes in the wake of Burnham’s assurances that he is committed to preventing the premature freedom of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who could be released as early as January.
A Unified Call to Action
The letter, addressed to the Prime Minister, highlights the urgent need to reconsider the implications of the early release scheme, particularly for those convicted of violent crimes against emergency workers. The police leaders expressed their gratitude for Burnham’s recent comments, which acknowledged the gravity of the situation. They stated, “This presents an opportunity not only to scrutinise the legal avenues available in PC Andrew Harper’s case but also to ensure that similar issues do not emerge in the future.”
In a significant change to the Sentencing Act this year, Cole and Bowers, sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020, will become eligible for release after serving just half of their sentences. The police chiefs have called for a robust review of the criteria for early release, particularly when the offender has caused death or poses a significant risk to public safety.
Prioritising Victims’ Rights
The letter outlines three key requests directed at the Prime Minister. Firstly, the police chiefs insist on pursuing all legal options to prevent the early release of Harper’s killers—a promise Burnham has already made. Secondly, they demand that the government take a more victim-centred approach when altering prisoners’ sentences, stating that serious consideration should be given to the nature of the crime committed and its impact on victims and communities.
The police chiefs emphasised that this is not merely about punishment; it’s about ensuring that community safety and victim confidence are at the forefront of any decisions that may lead to reduced time served by offenders. They urged, “Where an offender has caused a death, committed exceptionally serious violence, or presents an ongoing risk, public protection must be paramount.”
Support for the Victims’ Families
Finally, the letter calls for proper consideration for victims and bereaved families whenever significant changes to sentencing or release arrangements are made. The early release scheme is expected to see around 5,000 inmates released, a decrease from 6,000 following exemptions for those convicted of the most heinous crimes, including sexual offences and serious violent crimes.
Henry Long, the driver of the vehicle involved in PC Harper’s death, received a longer 16-year sentence and is ineligible for the early release scheme due to the nature of his sentence.
Debbie Adlam, PC Harper’s mother, expressed her cautious optimism following a conversation with a senior official at Downing Street. She shared her hope that Burnham’s commitment could lead to a resolution preventing the release of Cole and Bowers. Adlam stated, “For me, it’s hope, but I can’t afford to be too hopeful,” adding that her aim isn’t for a special case but for all emergency workers’ killers to be exempt from such schemes.
Why it Matters
The call from police chiefs sends a strong message about the need for a justice system that prioritises the safety and confidence of the public. It opens a crucial dialogue on how victims and their families are treated in the legal process and underscores the importance of ensuring that those who commit violent acts against emergency workers face appropriate consequences. With the potential early release of PC Harper’s killers on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher for victims’ rights and public safety in the UK.
