Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to review a controversial early prison release scheme following sharp criticism from Lissie Harper, the widow of slain Police Constable Andrew Harper. The program, a flagship policy intended to alleviate prison overcrowding, has come under intense scrutiny after it emerged that two men convicted of PC Harper's murder are slated for early release starting in September.
Lissie Harper described the scheme as 'deplorable,' accusing politicians of making decisions with "real and lasting consequences for victims' families." She expressed her dismay that the early release of offenders, including those convicted of violent crimes, is being considered acceptable. "We speak of justice, accountability and standing with victims, yet decisions like this do the opposite," she stated, adding that such policies signal to victims that their suffering matters less and that sentences handed down by courts are not fully served.
PC Andrew Harper was killed in 2019 when he was dragged for over a mile by a car as he attempted to stop three teenagers from stealing a quad bike. He and Lissie Harper had been married for only four weeks at the time of his death. His killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were 17 at the time and were sentenced to 13 years in custody for manslaughter. Under the revised scheme, they could be eligible for release after serving half their sentence, meaning they could be freed within the year.
The driver, Henry Long, 18, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years and is ineligible for early release under the current plans. The judge had characterized the trio as "unintelligent, but professional criminals."
Former Home Secretary Priti Patel and former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland KC, who were involved in establishing Harper's Law—mandating life sentences for those who kill emergency workers—have also criticized the early release plan. Buckland called the prospect an "insult" to PC Harper's memory and urged Burnham to reconsider releasing violent offenders.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also condemned the scheme as an "utter insult to the victims and any decent people that may be endangered by criminals walking their streets." Aileen O'Connor, chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation, stated that police officers would be disgusted by the prospect of these individuals being freed. Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg has written to the Prime Minister to convey his disapproval.
Claire Waxman, the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, has expressed concerns about the scheme's ability to safeguard victims, protect the public, and maintain confidence in the justice system.
Bowers and Cole are among approximately 6,000 individuals who could benefit from the Sentencing Act, which allows for the early release of violent and sexual offenders after serving half their sentence, down from the previous two-thirds. The Ministry of Justice has not confirmed reports that prison governors were instructed to pause the scheme, but sources indicate a meeting is scheduled to discuss it. Prime Minister Burnham confirmed he would review the policy with the Justice Secretary.