PC Harper Widow Fights Early Release for Convicted Manslaughter Perpetrators

Lissie Harper, the widow of PC Andrew Harper, has reiterated her commitment to challenging the early release of two individuals convicted of her husband's manslaughter. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, part of a group involved in PC Harper's death, are eligible for release from prison in August and October 2024.

PC Harper was fatally dragged behind a van in August 2019 as he responded to a quad bike theft in Berkshire. Bowers and Cole, alongside Henry Long, were acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter.

Mrs Harper's ongoing advocacy seeks to prevent the perpetrators from serving a reduced portion of their sentences. Her campaign has previously contributed to policy changes, including 'Harper's Law', which mandates life sentences for those who kill emergency service workers while committing another crime.

Despite these legislative changes, Bowers and Cole's convictions predate Harper's Law, meaning they are not subject to its provisions. Mrs Harper stated she would "never give up" fighting for justice for her husband, maintaining that the current justice system has failed to deliver appropriate consequences for his death. She highlighted the disparity between the severity of the crime and the potential early release of those responsible.