Andy Burnham Explores Blocking Early Release of PC Andrew Harper Killers

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is exploring options to block the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted of the 2019 manslaughter of Police Constable Andrew Harper in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. The two men are currently eligible for release under an emergency government scheme designed to reduce prison overcrowding by releasing approximately 5,000 prisoners starting in October. Burnham is seeking advice from the Ministry of Justice on whether manslaughter charges can be excluded from the eligibility criteria.

The situation follows a massive public outcry, including a petition signed by over 675,000 people launched by the Thames Valley Police Federation. The killers were sentenced to 13 years and are eligible for release halfway through their terms under the Sentencing Act. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting previously acknowledged that early release for such individuals is "not OK," though the government initially resisted pressure to exempt them.

Victim's widow Lissie Harper and Chief Constable Jason Hogg have sharply condemned the prospect of the release. Hogg stated that if the killers were convicted today, they would receive life sentences under laws created in Harper's name and would not be eligible for early release. The Thames Valley Police Federation, led by Aileen O’Connor, has considered a legal challenge to the decision.