A petition demanding that the killers of PC Andrew Harper remain in jail has surpassed one million signatures. The milestone was reached as authorities consider early release for convicted individuals to address prison overcrowding.
PC Harper died in 2019 after being dragged by a car while three teenagers fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Berkshire. In 2020, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years for his manslaughter. They could be eligible for release next year.
The Thames Valley Police Federation acknowledged the petition's significant reach, noting it was shared "without fanfare" ahead of the seventh anniversary of PC Harper's death.
PC Harper, who was from Wallingford, Oxfordshire, was a member of the Thames Valley Police. The petition was initiated by Aileen O'Connor, chair of the TVP federation. O'Connor stated that the consideration of early release for Cole and Bowers "pours salt into wounds that have never healed" and is an "insult to Andrew's family, his friends, his colleagues and the entire policing family."
The federation expressed gratitude to all signatories for their support. The prime minister's office is reportedly exploring options to keep the convicted individuals incarcerated. The case highlights ongoing discussions regarding sentencing, early release, and the impact on victims' families.