politics
PC Andrew Harper’s killers to be kept in jail amid Early Release Scheme changes
THE Government is confident that two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers will be kept in prison, police bosses have been told.
TL;DR
- Justice Secretary Alex Norris plans to change Early Release Scheme legislation.
- The changes aim to keep Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, convicted of PC Andrew Harper's manslaughter, in prison.
- Secondary legislation covering manslaughter, rape, and child grooming is planned.
- "Unlawful act" manslaughter is expected to be excluded from these changes.
- Bowers and Cole were jailed for 13 years for PC Harper's manslaughter.
- PC Harper was killed in 2019, dragged behind a car.
- Plans for early release had sparked fury and threats of legal action from police chiefs.
- Police leaders like Sir Mark Rowley and Aileen O'Connor criticized the potential release.