The Thames Valley Police Federation is threatening legal action to block the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper. Aileen O'Connor, chair of the federation, stated that they would pursue a legal challenge to prevent the convicts from being freed under a new early release scheme.
PC Harper was killed in August 2019 while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Cole and Bowers were each sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020. Despite public outcry, they remain eligible for early release, having served less than half their sentences. The government recently amended its early release plans to exclude rapists and child sex offenders due to prison overcrowding, but Cole and Bowers are still included in the scheme. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has faced backlash for this decision, particularly as he is currently on holiday.
O'Connor described the decision as an "unforgivable decision" and a "final betrayal" from politicians, stating that the federation would "throw everything" at blocking the release. She added that it was a "smack in the face" to police officers risking their lives and an "insult" to PC Harper's family and colleagues. She expressed feeling "sick to my stomach" at the prospect of the killers' release, calling the government's policy "acceptable" a "sickening kick in the teeth."
Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Jason Hogg, indicated he would "certainly consider" joining the legal action. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the early release feels "perverse" and that police officers "simply do not understand this decision." Hogg believes public opinion is overwhelmingly against the release, that it is "unfair," and risks damaging public confidence in the criminal justice system. He also voiced concerns about the impact on morale across the UK police force.
PC Harper's wife, Lissie, has called the potential early release an "affront to justice" and an "utter betrayal." His mother, Debbie Adlam, stated the family is "bitterly disappointed" and believes "Andrew deserves better than this, and so do we."
A petition initiated by the Police Federation regarding the early release scheme has garnered over 100,000 signatures. Approximately 5,000 individuals are expected to be released early under the new Sentencing Act, a reduction from an initial estimate of 6,000 after certain offenders were exempted.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris stated that while he wished to go further with exemptions, the capacity of the prison estate limited further changes. He acknowledged that families affected by these decisions feel they are "carrying the can for previous failures" and confirmed he had apologized to some relatives, including PC Harper's.
PC Harper died after being dragged by a car as three suspects fled a burglary scene. The driver of the vehicle, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for the current early release scheme. However, Cole and Bowers' shorter manslaughter sentences make them eligible.
The Prison Governors' Association has criticized the last-minute policy changes for placing significant pressure on prison staff and increasing the likelihood of errors. The government has committed to adding 14,000 new prison spaces by 2031.