Two men convicted in the 2019 killing of PC Andrew Harper, who was dragged to his death behind a car, are set to become eligible for early release under a government scheme aimed at reducing prison overcrowding. Albert Bowes and Jessie Cole, who were 17 at the time of the offense and sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter, could be freed after serving half their sentences.
PC Harper, 28, encountered the group near Sulhamstead, Berkshire, while investigating a quadbike theft. As the suspects attempted to flee in a car driven by Henry Long, PC Harper's ankles became caught in a towrope, dragging him for more than a mile at speeds of up to 42 mph. His injuries were so severe that first responders initially mistook him for a deer carcass. Long is not eligible for early release under the same scheme.
Debbie Adlam, PC Harper's mother, has been informed by the Ministry of Justice that her son's killers' sentences may be reduced. She described the news as an "insult beyond anything able to be put into words" and stated that it makes her "feel sick." "People are getting a free pass for crime in this country," Adlam said, expressing her disappointment with the current state of the justice system.
The potential early release for Bowes and Cole is tied to the Sentencing Act, which is part of a broader government strategy to address a growing prison population. Starting in September, the act will permit violent and sexual offenders to be released after serving half their sentences, a change from the previous two-thirds requirement. Other offenders may be eligible for release after serving one-third of their sentence if they demonstrate good behavior.
The sentences initially handed down to PC Harper's killers sparked widespread public outcry, seen by many as too lenient. Following his death, a campaign led by his widow, Lissie Harper, resulted in the passage of "Harper's Law." This legislation mandates a life sentence for anyone convicted of killing an emergency worker during the commission of a crime. Lissie Harper received an MBE for her advocacy.
An Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated, "This was a horrific crime, and our deepest sympathies are with PC Andrew Harper’s family and friends." The spokesperson added that the government is committed to public safety, citing efforts to increase prison capacity and to incarcerate dangerous offenders. The spokesperson noted that in 2024, the country faced a prison crisis and a breakdown in law and order.
In a separate matter, Lissie Harper's experience was further compounded by a lewd remark made by the then-head of the Police Federation, John Apter, a year after her husband's death. Apter, who presented her with a posthumous bravery award, commented to colleagues about comforting her in his hotel room. Apter retired before disciplinary proceedings concluded but was found to have committed gross misconduct, which would have led to dismissal had he still been serving. His name was added to a list of barred officers for at least five years. Mrs. Harper described the comments as "highly inappropriate."