The family of PC Andrew Harper has launched a furious attack on the Government’s early release programme after learning that two men convicted over the police officer’s death could soon walk free from prison.
Albert Bowes and Jessie Cole, who were both teenagers when PC Harper was killed, were sentenced to 13 years in custody in 2020 for manslaughter.
Under new sentencing measures introduced to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons, the pair could become eligible for release after serving half of their sentences.
The decision has triggered anger from PC Harper’s family, police representatives and political opponents, who argue that those responsible for the officer’s death should remain behind bars for the full length of their punishment.
PC Harper was killed while trying to stop a theft
PC Andrew Harper, 28, was killed on August 15, 2019, while responding to reports of a stolen quad bike near Sulhamstead, Berkshire.
The officer, who had recently married his wife Lissie and was preparing to begin his honeymoon, chose to intervene after receiving the emergency call despite being close to finishing his shift.
During the attempted escape, thieves fled in a vehicle driven by Henry Long.
PC Harper became caught in a tow rope attached to the car and was dragged for more than a mile along country roads at high speed.
The injuries suffered by the officer were so severe that those who arrived at the scene initially believed they had found an animal carcass.
Mother says release plans have caused unimaginable pain
Debbie Adlam, PC Harper’s mother, said she was devastated by the possibility that two of her son’s killers could be released early.
She described the Ministry of Justice announcement as an “insult beyond anything able to be put into words” and said the decision had left her feeling betrayed.
The grieving mother told the Telegraph that the prospect of the men leaving prison made her feel sick and argued that society was sending the wrong message about serious crime.
She said her son’s life could never be restored and questioned why those responsible could potentially receive a reduction in their sentences.
Police union warns officers will be “disgusted”
The Thames Valley Police Federation has strongly criticised the move, insisting that PC Harper’s killers should remain imprisoned.
Aileen O’Connor, chair of the federation, said colleagues across the country would be horrified by the possibility of the men being released.
She accused Bowes and Cole of showing no remorse for their actions and argued that PC Harper’s widow and family had effectively been given a lifelong punishment while his killers could regain their freedom.
The federation said it would challenge the decision with senior Government figures, including the Police Minister and Home Secretary.
Campaigners point to Harper’s Law as anger grows
The controversy comes years after PC Harper’s death sparked a national campaign for tougher protections for emergency workers.
His widow, Lissie Harper, led efforts that resulted in the introduction of Harper’s Law, which created a mandatory life sentence for people convicted of killing emergency workers while committing another crime.
The campaign received widespread public support and eventually became law, with Ms Harper later recognised with an MBE for her work.
Critics now argue that allowing those convicted in connection with PC Harper’s death to leave prison early undermines the spirit of the legislation.
Political backlash over Labour’s sentencing reforms
Opposition politicians have also criticised the Government’s approach.
Nick Timothy, the Conservatives’ shadow justice secretary, called on Labour to block early releases for offenders convicted of the most serious crimes.
He argued that the Government had previously promised not to reduce sentences for the worst offences and said it would be unacceptable if PC Harper’s killers benefited from the reforms.
Television personality Penny Lancaster, who serves as a police volunteer officer, also publicly supported calls for the men to remain in custody.
Government defends prison reforms amid overcrowding crisis
The early release measures form part of Labour’s wider plan to tackle severe overcrowding within the prison system.
From September, some violent and sexual offenders will become eligible for release after serving half their sentence instead of two-thirds.
Other prisoners may qualify for earlier release based on behaviour while incarcerated.
Those convicted of murder are excluded from the scheme because they receive mandatory life sentences, although Henry Long, who drove the vehicle involved in PC Harper’s death, could apply for parole after serving half of his sentence.
The Government has argued that the reforms are necessary because the prison system was close to reaching breaking point in 2024.
Ministers insist public safety remains the priority
Justice officials said they understood the pain caused to PC Harper’s family and described his killing as a horrific crime.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the Government was taking action to expand prison capacity while making difficult decisions to manage the prison population.
Cabinet minister Heidi Alexander defended the policy, saying the justice system had been close to collapse when Labour entered office and that failing to address overcrowding would have prevented courts from functioning properly.
She argued that releasing some prisoners earlier was necessary to prevent a wider crisis within policing and the criminal justice system.
Police leaders warn scheme will create new challenges
Senior police figures have warned that early releases could place additional pressure on forces across England and Wales.
Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Regional Organised Crime Units, said the policy would create significant demand for policing teams tasked with managing risk and preventing further offences.
Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney added that local forces would need to carefully assess individuals released under the scheme, although the full impact remained uncertain.
Debate continues over justice, punishment and public confidence
The case has reignited a wider debate about sentencing, victims’ rights and the balance between managing prison capacity and protecting communities.
For PC Harper’s family and supporters, the possibility of his killers being released early represents a painful reminder of the loss of a husband, son and police officer whose final act was attempting to protect the public.
As criticism grows, pressure is mounting on the Government to reconsider whether offenders linked to high-profile and devastating crimes should be treated differently under early release reforms.
