Prime Minister Directs Justice Secretary to Block Early Release for PC Harper's Killers

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has directed the Justice Secretary to identify a legal mechanism to prevent the early release of two individuals convicted of manslaughter in the death of PC Andrew Harper. This instruction follows significant public and political pressure regarding the automatic early release scheme that could see the men leave prison earlier than anticipated.

PC Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was dragged to his death in August 2019 as he attempted to stop a quad bike theft. Henry Long, Albert Bowers, and Jessie Cole were all convicted of manslaughter.

Long, the driver of the car that dragged PC Harper, was sentenced to 16 years, while Bowers and Cole each received 13-year sentences. However, changes implemented through the Criminal Justice Act 1991 mean some prisoners serving fixed-term sentences are automatically released at the halfway point, rather than serving two-thirds of their sentence.

While Henry Long has already been released, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole are currently subject to this automatic halfway release provision. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed confidence that a solution could be found to prevent their early release, emphasising the need for justice to be served fully in such cases. The government's directive signals a clear intent to override standard early release procedures for these specific convictions.