Key Facts
- Incident
- Pc Andrew Harper killed in August 2019 in Sulhamstead, Berkshire
- Convictions
- Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter
- Eligibility
- Cole and Bowers eligible for early release halfway through sentence
- Legal threat
- Police Federation chair Aileen O'Connor threatens court action
- Petition
- Petition started Tuesday reached 100,000 signatures
- Exemptions
- Rape, serious sexual abuse of children, grooming gang offences exempted
Background
Thames Valley Police officer Pc Andrew Harper, 28, was killed in August 2019 while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. He died after being caught in a strap attached to a car and dragged along a country road as three teenage suspects fled the scene.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were convicted of manslaughter a year later and each sentenced to 13 years in prison. Under the government's early release scheme, they are eligible for release halfway through their sentences. The driver, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for the scheme.
The early release policy was introduced to alleviate severe strain on prison capacity, amid fears that courts may not be able to jail offenders if the crisis continues. On Monday, the government announced exemptions for certain crimes, including rape, serious sexual abuse of children, and grooming gang offences, but other criminals, including Cole and Bowers, remain eligible for early release.
Current Situation
Aileen O'Connor, chair of the Police Federation representing officers in the force where Pc Harper served, has threatened to take the government to court to stop the early release. Writing in the Sun, she called the decision 'inexplicable and unforgivable' and said it would 'anger and demoralise' serving officers.
O'Connor stated, 'We will throw everything at this through a proper legal challenge from KCs, barristers, you name it. Our colleagues will accept nothing less.' She described the decision as 'a final betrayal from the politicians' and 'a smack in the face to every one of us police officers across the United Kingdom.'
A petition started by the Police Federation on Tuesday has already reached 100,000 signatures. Pc Harper's wife Lissie has expressed fury, calling early release 'an affront to justice' and 'an utter betrayal.' His mother, Debbie Adlam, said the family was 'bitterly disappointed,' telling the BBC: 'Andrew deserves better than this, and so do we.'
Impacts
The early release scheme is expected to see some 5,000 people released early, down from 6,000 after exemptions for rapists and child sex offenders. Justice Secretary Alex Norris said he 'wanted to go further' with exemptions but could not, as the prison estate would fill up 'very quickly.'
The Prison Governors' Association (PGA) has criticized the late change to the policy, saying it put 'huge pressure' on prison staff, making mistakes 'more likely.' The government has pledged to deliver 14,000 new prison spaces by 2031.
The Times reported that historical child sex abusers may still be eligible for early release, despite Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledging to exclude them. The victims' commissioner Claire Waxman is seeking clarification after the Ministry of Justice was unable to specify which crimes would be excluded.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the Police Federation proceeds with a legal challenge, the courts could potentially block the early release of Cole and Bowers, depending on the outcome of judicial review proceedings. However, the government may argue that the policy is necessary to manage prison capacity, and the legal process could take time.
Should the early release proceed, it may further strain public trust in the justice system, particularly among police officers and victims' families. The government might face continued criticism and could potentially review the policy again, but any changes would depend on prison capacity and political will.
The situation remains fluid, and the exact timeline for any legal action or release is unclear. If the Ministry of Justice clarifies the exemptions to include historical offences, it could affect the eligibility of some prisoners, but this has not been confirmed.
Source: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
