Hundreds of individuals convicted of manslaughter could be released from prison early under reforms introduced by the Labour government, according to new analysis by the Conservative Party. The analysis, based on Ministry of Justice sentencing figures, estimates that up to 363 offenders may walk free by 2029, having served as little as one-third of their court-imposed sentences.
The Conservatives have raised concerns that the scheme puts the public at risk, with Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy stating that "vile killers... should not be freed from prison early." He further commented that "[l]etting hundreds of these dangerous killers back on the streets puts the public at risk and is an insult to the memory of their victims."
Under Labour's Sentencing Act, offenders convicted of manslaughter who received a sentence of less than four years may become eligible for early release after serving 33% of their term, provided they have demonstrated good behavior. Those sentenced to four years or more are required to serve half of their sentence.
The analysis by the Tories projects the impact of these reforms on individuals sentenced for manslaughter between 2025 and 2029, the expected year of the next General Election. The government has stated that these measures are necessary to alleviate overcrowding in prisons, blaming the previous Conservative administration for insufficient prison construction.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously announced that rapists and child sex offenders would be excluded from the scheme. However, it has since emerged that some individuals convicted of offenses like indecent assault, prior to a 2003 law change, may still be eligible. Burnham has since reportedly directed the Ministry of Justice to review all grooming offenders to ensure they are not included in the early release program.
Among those who could benefit from the early release measures are two individuals convicted in the killing of Pc Andrew Harper, who was fatally injured in 2019. His widow, Lissie Harper, has publicly condemned the plan, calling it "unforgivable" and "a secondary gut punch coming from our own Government."
Andrew Harper was 28 when he died while responding to a quad bike theft in Berkshire. He was dragged by a car and sustained fatal injuries. 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 reportedly set for early release. The driver, Henry Long, who was 18, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release under the current scheme.
The Police Federation has indicated potential legal action against the government regarding the release of Pc Harper's killers. The chief constable of Harper's Thames Valley force, Jason Hogg, is reportedly considering joining legal action to prevent the releases. Lissie Harper, who successfully campaigned for a mandatory life sentence for those who kill emergency workers in the line of duty, has vowed to continue her efforts to force a reconsideration of the policy.