Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly 'exploring every option' to block the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, according to government sources. The move comes as part of a broader review of the early release scheme, which has faced intense scrutiny following public backlash.
Government resists pressure to exempt killers
The Government has so far resisted calls to exempt Cole and Bowers from its early release scheme, which is designed to free up prison spaces. Under current plans, approximately 5,000 criminals are set to be released early, down from an initial 6,000 after exemptions were announced following an urgent review. However, Cole and Bowers, who were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 for the death of PC Harper in 2019, remain eligible for release after serving half of their 13-year sentences.
A government source told The Telegraph that Mr Burnham is prepared to 'explore every option' to keep Cole and Bowers behind bars. He is now reportedly seeking further advice from Ministry of Justice officials on the PC Harper case, including the possibility of excluding manslaughter sentences from the scheme altogether.
Burnham's stance on early release
Earlier this week, Mr Burnham stated he had 'pushed to the very limits of what is possible to do without risking the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing' by excluding sentences for 'rape, serious child sex offences and other grooming offences' from eligibility. The early release changes were part of the Sentencing Act passed earlier this year, which reduced the minimum time many offenders must serve in prison.
PC Harper was 28 when he sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. He died after becoming caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and being dragged down a country road as three teenage suspects fled the scene of a burglary. The driver, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and would not be eligible for early release.
Family and public outrage
PC Harper's family have expressed anger and disappointment at the decision not to exempt Cole and Bowers from the plans. His widow, Lissie Harper, described the news as 'another gut punch' and said: 'The sentences Andrew's killers received were pitiful — and the fact we are hearing these absurd reasons for early release like prisons being too full is disgraceful and disgusting. The people making these decisions should be utterly ashamed of themselves.'
His mother, Debbie Adlam, said she was 'crushed' by the news and told ITV News that the release would make emergency workers feel 'completely unvalued'. More than 780,000 people have signed a petition to stop the release, reflecting widespread public opposition.
The Government's urgent review of the early release scheme came after concerns about prison overcrowding, but critics argue that public safety and justice for victims' families should take precedence. As Mr Burnham continues to explore legal avenues, the fate of Cole and Bowers remains uncertain, with the final decision likely to have significant political and social implications.
