Why are Andrew Harper’s killers facing release?
Andy Burnham's government initially planned an early-release scheme that would have freed PC Andrew Harper's three killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, before public outcry forced ministers to reverse course and specifically exclude those convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter and death by dangerous driving, from the scheme [3, 5]. That change was made to free up prison capacity by releasing other offenders instead, including some serving indefinite IPP sentences [3]. The Prime Minister has since confirmed the pair will now be kept in prison, though Thames Valley's police chief said Harper's family were "re-traumatised" by having to campaign against the original release plan [1, 5].
Sources
- Police chief says PC Andrew Harper’s family have been ‘re-traumatised’ by having to fight against his killers’ release — Daily Mail
- The Morning Poll: What should be the Government’s top priority in decisions about early release? — Daily Mail
- MORE dangerous criminals to be released early: Stalkers and abusers on ‘indefinite’ sentences up for release, as Labour minister tells Mail that Burnham ‘is not focused on risk’ — Daily Mail
- Families of pilots killed by dangerous driver blast ‘appalling’ government after anguish of being left waiting months fearing he’d have jail term cut — Daily Mail
- PC Andrew Harper’s killers will be kept in prison as Andy Burnham bows to pressure to exclude ‘hundreds’ of killers and historical child sex offenders from early release scheme — Daily Mail
- Homicide victims’ families including BBC racing commentator John Hunt call for all prisoners convicted of manslaughter to be barred from Labour’s early release scheme — Daily Mail
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