PC ANDREW HARPER'S KILLERS MAY BE RELEASED EARLY UNDER NEW SCHEME

Two men convicted of manslaughter in the death of police constable Andrew Harper may be eligible for early release from prison under a new sentencing scheme set to commence in September. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 17 years old at the time of the incident, were sentenced to 13 years in custody following a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that both men may be released halfway through their sentences under the new Sentencing Act. The driver of the vehicle involved, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and will not be eligible for early release under the scheme.

PC Harper, aged 28, died in August 2019 after becoming trapped in a strap attached to a car during a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. He was dragged down a country road as three teenage suspects fled the burglary scene. Cole and Bowers were passengers in the vehicle at the time. The new scheme is expected to result in the release of approximately 6,000 prisoners, though the Government has not specified whether those convicted of serious crimes including murder, rape and child abuse will be excluded.

PC Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, stated she received notification from the Ministry of Justice regarding the potential sentence reductions. She described the development as making her feel "sick" and characterised it as an "insult". Police have stated they are "disgusted" by the eligibility of the two men for early release. Harper's widow has described the prospect as "deplorable".