The United Kingdom's government is facing renewed scrutiny over its Sentencing Act, which permits early prison releases, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a review of the policy. This move comes after reports that the implementation of the act was temporarily halted and amidst strong objections from the families of victims.
PC Andrew Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, expressed her distress over the planned early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the getaway car that killed her son. Cole and Bowers, who were 17 at the time of the offense, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter but could be eligible for release after serving six years under the new act. The driver of the car, Henry Long, 18, was sentenced to 16 years for manslaughter and is not eligible for early release.
"It just feels like another let down for Andrew really, when you look at the horrific way he was killed, we have to live with that," Adlam told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme. She added that "every victim will be feeling the same" regarding the perceived lack of justice.
The Sentencing Act is presented by the government as a response to prison overcrowding, aiming to provide a more sustainable solution than an emergency scheme introduced in 2024, which has led to tens of thousands of inmates being released early. Unlike the previous plan, the new act reportedly includes no exemptions for prisoners convicted of serious crimes, domestic abuse, or terrorism.
Adlam urged Prime Minister Burnham to "look at the big picture for the country," stating that a justice system releasing individuals simply because it is overcrowded is "not good enough." She called for a comprehensive overhaul of the justice system.
Burnham acknowledged the "pressure on prison places" and the consequences of underinvestment in the system, calling the situation "unacceptable." While he could not commit to a complete policy reversal, he stated that the plans would be reviewed in detail. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds indicated that Burnham and the Justice Secretary would provide further details in the coming weeks, noting the difficult situation the government inherited in 2024 with a prison system on the brink of collapse and fewer than 100 available places.