politics
PC Harper's Killers Will Stay Behind Bars Following Public Backlash, Justice Secretary Tells Police Chiefs
WATCH NOW: Labour minister attempts to defend Andy Burnham's position on Labour's controversial early release scheme
TL;DR
- PC Andrew Harper's killers, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, will not be eligible for early release.
- The decision follows strong public backlash and a petition with over a million signatures against the early release scheme.
- Justice Secretary Alex Norris plans to introduce secondary legislation to amend existing laws, preventing early release for criminals convicted of manslaughter, rape, and child grooming.
- The Sentencing Act 2026, implemented by the previous government, allowed for potential early release for some offenders.
- PC Harper was killed in 2019 and his killers were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter.
- Lissie Harper, PC Harper's wife, expressed anger and called the potential release an 'utter betrayal' and an 'affront to justice'.