Hundreds of individuals convicted of manslaughter are projected to be released from prison early under reforms implemented by the Labour government, according to an analysis by the Conservative Party. The analysis, utilizing Ministry of Justice sentencing figures, estimates that up to 363 offenders could be freed by 2029, having served as little as one-third of their court-imposed sentence.
Among those potentially eligible for early release are two individuals convicted in the manslaughter case of Pc Andrew Harper. His widow, Lissie Harper, has publicly condemned the government's policy, calling it "unforgivable."
The Conservative Party's Shadow Justice Secretary, Nick Timothy, stated that "vile killers, like those responsible for Pc Harper's death, should not be freed from prison early." He added that releasing such offenders "puts the public at risk and is an insult to the memory of their victims." The Tories have proposed emergency legislation to prevent these early releases.
The basis for the Conservative estimate lies in Labour's Sentencing Act, passed earlier this year. Under this act, some individuals convicted of manslaughter may qualify for early release after completing 33% of their jail term if their sentence was less than four years, provided they have demonstrated good behavior. For those with sentences of four years or more, the requirement is to serve half of their sentence.
In response, the Labour government asserts that these measures are necessary to alleviate overcrowding in prisons, which they attribute to a lack of sufficient new prison construction during the Conservative Party's time in power. Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously announced that rapists and child sex offenders would be excluded from the scheme. However, it was later reported that some individuals convicted of offenses like indecent assault, which may have been prosecuted under different statutes prior to a 2003 law change, could still remain eligible. Burnham has since directed the Ministry of Justice to review all grooming offenders to ensure they are not within the scope of the scheme.
The Police Federation has indicated potential legal action against the government over the early release of Pc Harper's killers. Jason Hogg, chief constable of Pc Harper's force, is reportedly considering joining legal action to block the releases. Lissie Harper, who previously campaigned for mandatory life sentences for those who kill emergency workers, has vowed to continue her efforts to force a reconsideration of the policy. She described the justifications for early release, such as prison overcrowding, as "disgraceful and disgusting."
Pc Andrew Harper, 28, died in August 2019 after suffering fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Berkshire. He was dragged by a car while attempting to apprehend suspects. The passengers in the vehicle, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 17 at the time of the incident, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020 and are now eligible for early release under the new measures. The driver, Henry Long, 18, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release.