The killers of PC Andrew Harper will remain in prison after the Prime Minister confirmed changes to the early release scheme, excluding anyone convicted of unlawful killing. Andy Burnham said “hundreds” of people will now stay behind bars as part of revisions to the scheme originally designed to ease prison overcrowding.
Changes to the early release scheme
Speaking to the BBC, Burnham outlined the scope of the new proposal: “We’ve come up with a proposal which will allow not just those guilty of manslaughter, the people involved in the killing of PC Harper, but those who have been convicted for indecent assault, those convicted for death by dangerous driving, all of these offenders now will remain in prison. Hundreds of them.”
He added, “I heard obviously what Andrew Harper’s family were saying. I mean who couldn’t? Nobody would want a position to arise where those guilty of killing a police officer are let out early from prison.”
Background and review
The Prime Minister ordered a review of the scheme, which is being undertaken by the Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, and is set to be published when parliament returns from summer recess in September. The review followed widespread condemnation when it emerged that Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole could be released halfway through their 13-year sentences.
In August 2019, Harper, 28, died when he was dragged down a country road in Berkshire by a car as Cole, Bowers, and their accomplice Henry Long fled the scene of a quad bike theft. All three were convicted of manslaughter in 2020. Cole and Bowers were sentenced to 13 years in prison and could have potentially been released early as part of the government’s drive to free up prison places.
Impact on prison population
Burnham indicated that extra space in prisons would be created by deporting foreign prisoners and releasing some prisoners serving indefinite sentences. These measures aim to address overcrowding while ensuring that serious offenders, including those involved in Harper’s death, serve their full terms.
