Petition to keep PC Andrew Harper’s killers in jail passes 1million signatures as pressure grows on Andy Burnham to keep them behind bars
A petition calling for those convicted over the killing of PC Andrew Harper to remain in prison has exceeded one million signatures, increasing public pressure on Andy Burnham. The campaign reflects continuing concern over the case and the prospect of the offenders being released.
PC Harper, a 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer, was killed in August 2019 while responding to reports of a quadbike theft near Stanford Dingley, Berkshire. He became entangled in a tow rope attached to a SEAT Toledo used by the thieves during the pursuit; the case remains a prominent example of risks faced by police officers on duty.
- Petition to keep PC Harper’s killers imprisoned passes one million signatures.
- The campaign increases pressure on Andy Burnham.
- PC Harper was killed responding to a quadbike theft in 2019.
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PC Andrew Harper was a Thames Valley Police officer who died in 2019 while responding to reports of a stolen quadbike near Stanford Dingley in Berkshire. During the incident, he became caught in a tow rope attached to a car being driven away from the scene.
Several people were convicted in connection with his death and given prison sentences. The case drew national attention because of the circumstances of his death and wider concern about the dangers faced by police officers while on duty.
The petition concerns whether the offenders should remain in prison for the full length of their sentences and has brought Andy Burnham into the debate. Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester and has a public role in policing matters in the area.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that those responsible for the events leading to PC Andrew Harper’s death should remain imprisoned for as long as the law allows, both to reflect the gravity of a police officer being killed while protecting the public and to maintain confidence in justice. They may view continued custody as necessary for public safety, deterrence and recognition of the lasting harm to PC Harper’s family, colleagues and wider policing community. The scale of the petition is presented as evidence of a deeply held public belief that release would be premature or insufficiently accountable.
The case against
Those favouring release decisions based strictly on existing sentences and parole rules argue that punishment must be governed by evidence, rehabilitation and the rule of law rather than public pressure, however understandable the anger and grief. They may contend that a petition cannot fairly substitute for independent assessment of risk or alter the legal limits set by courts and Parliament. This view places weight on due process and the principle that people should not be kept in prison beyond a lawful, individually justified period.