Two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper could still be released from prison next year, despite government plans to exclude prisoners convicted of serious offenses from early release schemes. Aileen O'Connor, PC Harper's widow, has stated she will not cease her efforts to oppose such releases.

PC Harper was killed in August 2019 while responding to a burglary. His killers, Henry Long, Albert Bowers, and Jessie Matthews, were sentenced in 2020. Long, the driver of the vehicle, received a 16-year sentence for manslaughter and is not eligible for early release. Bowers and Cole, who were also convicted of manslaughter, each received 13-year sentences and become eligible for release after serving half their time.

Earlier this week, the government announced revised plans for early release schemes in England and Wales. These revisions are intended to exclude individuals convicted of rape, grooming, and serious child sex offenses. However, the current guidelines still permit those convicted of manslaughter to be eligible for earlier release.

O'Connor expressed that the news has significantly impacted morale. She stated, "Lissie Harper, [PC Harper's] parents, his brother, his family, his close friends - they are serving the life sentence of not having Andrew Harper here today fulfilling his best potential for his life."

She indicated her continued resolve, stating, "We won't give up."

PC Andrew Harper and his wife, Lissie are looking at each other smiling widely. They are in a field which has long reeds of green gras surrounding them. Lissie is hugging PC Harper from behind and leaning over his shoulder to look at him, he is looking over his shoulder. PC Harper has short brown hair and a short brown beard and wears a dark green a blue checked shirt. Lissis has long blonde hair and wears a black denim and shearling lined jacket. She is wearing an engagement ring on her ring finger.