The Insult Continues: Early Release for PC Harper’s Killers

The news that two men responsible for the tragic death of PC Andrew Harper may be eligible for early release from prison has sparked outrage among his family and law enforcement officials. For Debbie Adlam, PC Harper’s mother, the prospect of her son’s killers walking free within five years is an insult.

In August 2019, PC Harper was responding to a quad bike theft in Berkshire when he was caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and dragged down a country road. His killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were handed 13-year sentences for manslaughter in 2020. Under the new Sentencing Act, they may be released early, joining over 6,000 other prisoners who will benefit from the scheme.

This decision is not just about justice for PC Harper’s family; it also raises questions about our society’s values. If we’re willing to let killers like Cole and Bowers out on the streets after serving only half their sentence, what message does that send to the public? That the lives of emergency workers like PC Harper are valued less than those of convicted offenders?

The government claims that the early release scheme is necessary due to a prison crisis and a breakdown in law and order. However, this argument has been made before, and it’s unclear why we should prioritize rehabilitation over public safety. As Aileen O’Connor, chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, pointed out, “The killers of PC Andrew Harper should be kept where they belong - behind bars.”

Some prisoners will be exempt from the early release scheme, but the Ministry of Justice has yet to clarify who exactly will qualify for this exemption. It’s unclear what constitutes a “dangerous” offender or how this decision will be made.

This lack of clarity raises more questions than answers. What does it say about our system of justice that we’re so willing to let people out early without ensuring they’ve served their time? And what about the families of victims like PC Harper, who have been left to pick up the pieces after their loved ones were taken from them?

The reaction of law enforcement officials and other organizations has been swift and damning. Deputy national chairman Brian Booth described the early release policy as “disgusting,” while Cabinet minister Heidi Alexander insisted that it was necessary due to a prison crisis under the previous Labour government.

As Alex Norris, the new Justice Secretary, considers the scheme, he’s being urged to reconsider. But even if this is possible, it’s unlikely to be enough to restore faith in our justice system. As Aileen O’Connor said, “We will not stop. Andrew deserves nothing less.”

The government and the parole board must reconsider any plans to release PC Harper’s killers early. They must do it now, before further eroding public trust in our justice system. The question is, are they listening?