The Thames Valley Police Federation has vowed to pursue legal action to prevent the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper. Aileen O'Connor, chair of the federation, stated that they would "throw everything" at blocking the release of Cole and Bowers under the government's early release scheme, describing the decision as "unforgivable."
PC Harper died in August 2019 when he responded to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Cole and Bowers were each sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020 and remain eligible for early release, serving half of their sentences, despite public opposition.
The government has made a partial adjustment to its early release plans, exempting rapists and child sex offenders from the scheme, which aims to alleviate prison overcrowding. However, an urgent review of the scheme has not altered the eligibility of Cole and Bowers.
O'Connor expressed her dismay, stating in The Sun that she would "not forget the Government's inexplicable and unforgivable decision to allow those who kill police officers to be released early from jail." She added that the federation would "do what we have to do to protect Andrew Harper's legacy and other victims up and down the country." She characterized the decision as a "final betrayal from the politicians" and "a smack in the face to every one of us police officers across the UK."
Jason Hogg, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, indicated that he would "certainly consider" joining the Police Federation's legal action. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the early release of the convicted manslaughterers felt "perverse" and that police officers "simply do not understand this decision." Hogg also voiced concerns about the potential damage to public confidence in the criminal justice system and the impact on police morale across the UK.
PC Harper's wife, Lissie, and his mother, Debbie Adlam, have also expressed profound disappointment and anger, with Lissie calling the potential early release "an affront to justice" and "an utter betrayal." A petition initiated by the Police Federation has garnered over 100,000 signatures.
Approximately 5,000 individuals are expected to be released early under the new Sentencing Act. Justice Secretary Alex Norris acknowledged a desire to implement further exemptions but stated that the prison system's capacity limited such actions. Norris also confirmed he had apologized to some affected families, including PC Harper's relatives.
PC Harper was killed when he became entangled in a strap attached to a fleeing car. The driver, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for the early release scheme, but Cole and Bowers' shorter sentences made them eligible.
