Thames Valley Police Chief Mulls Legal Challenge Over PC Harper Killers' Early Release
John Campbell, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, is actively exploring the potential for a judicial review concerning the impending early release of two men implicated in the death of PC Andrew Harper. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, convicted of manslaughter, are scheduled for release under a government initiative set to commence in October.
This scheme permits the early release of eligible prisoners up to 18 days before their specified release date. PC Harper's widow, Lissie Harper, has voiced profound objections to the decision, describing it as a "slap in the face" to her late husband and his family.
Bowers and Cole, alongside Henry Long, were convicted of manslaughter in July 2020 following the death of PC Harper, who was dragged behind a car in August 2019. Long, the driver, was sentenced to 16 years, while Bowers and Cole each received 13-year sentences. All three were acquitted of murder.
The Ministry of Justice has indicated that the early release programme aims to manage prison capacity and allows for the expedited release of certain inmates. However, it explicitly excludes high-risk offenders, including those convicted of terror offences, serious sexual crimes, or serious violent offences. The inclusion of Bowers and Cole, given the gravity of their crime, has prompted this potential legal challenge from the police force.
