Andrew Harper Killers Cole and Bowers Become Eligible for Release After 6.5 Years
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 22
Andrew Harper Killers Cole and Bowers Become Eligible for Release After 6.5 Years
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 22
Summary
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, convicted over PC Andrew Harper’s 2019 killing, may be freed halfway through their 13-year manslaughter sentences under the Sentencing Act taking effect in September.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed their eligibility as part of an early-release scheme expected to cover about 6,000 prisoners, while saying the most dangerous offenders on life or extended determinate sentences will be excluded.
Debbie Adlam, Harper’s mother, called the prospect “a slap in the face” and “an insult,” while police federations in England, Wales and Thames Valley urged ministers to reverse any move to free the pair early.
Henry Long, the driver jailed for 16 years over Harper’s death after dragging the 28-year-old officer behind a car in Berkshire, is not eligible for the scheme.
The case revives scrutiny of prison-capacity policy and sentencing reform, because Harper’s Law introduced mandatory life terms for killing emergency workers on duty but cannot be applied retrospectively.