PC Andrew Harper killers remain in prison
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The gist
PM Andy Burnham barred manslaughter convicts from early release, keeping PC Andrew Harper's killers in prison.
The change affects hundreds of offenders and responds to public outcry over the police.
Background
PC Andrew Harper, 28, was killed in 2019 when he was dragged along a road in Berkshire while trying to stop a quad bike theft. Three men were convicted of manslaughter in 2020; two of them, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were sentenced to 13 years and were eligible for early release under a scheme to ease prison overcrowding. After public and family outcry, the government changed the rules to exclude manslaughter offenders from early release.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2019PC Andrew Harper dies after being dragged by a car during a quad bike theft in Berkshire.
- 2020Jessie Cole, Albert Bowers, and Henry Long are convicted of manslaughter; Cole and Bowers receive 13-year sentences.
- Aug 26, 2026Reports say the killers will be excluded from the early release scheme; Justice Secretary expresses confidence they will stay in jail.
- Aug 28, 2026Thames Valley Police say they are 'optimistic' the killers will be barred from early release.
- Aug 30, 2026Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirms the killers will remain in prison and announces changes to the early release scheme, affecting 'hundreds' of offenders.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham said nobody would want those guilty of killing a police officer released early, and he was 'confident' of blocking them.
- Public
- There were passionate calls for the government to intervene after it emerged the killers could be released early.
- Police
- Thames Valley Police leaders said they were 'optimistic' the killers would be barred from early release.
Still unverified
The exact number of offenders affected by the change is not specified; Burnham said 'hundreds' but no precise figure is given.