PC Harper's killers will stay behind bars following public backlash, Justice Secretary tells police chiefs

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Alex Norris is expected to set out secondary legislation to exempt the murderers from Labour's notorious early release scheme

PC Andrew Harper's killers will stay behind bars following furious public backlash over their possible release, the Justice Secretary has told police chiefs.

Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were handed a 13-year prison sentence for the manslaughter of the 28-year-old in 2020 after the police officer was dragged for more than a mile behind their car after responding to reports of a quad bike theft in 2019.

Under the Sentencing Act 2026, Andy Burnham oversaw the potential release of the killers midway through their sentence, as Labour struggled to ease the pressure on Britain's prisons.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris told police chiefs that he plans to introduce secondary legislation, which will amend existing laws, to prevent criminals convicted of manslaughter, rape and child grooming from early release.

This move would cover the crimes carried out by Cole and Bowers by exempting those guilty of committing "unlawful act" manslaughter.

This type of manslaughter is where one person causes the death of another while they commit an illegal act - in this case, theft.

Last month, Labour admitted around 6,000 criminals could be eligible for release, either having served half of their term or, in some cases, a mere third.

The Sentencing Act was whipped up by Sir Keir Starmer's Government when they looked for possible solutions to solve the prison crisis.

However, following serious backlash from police leaders and local communities, as well as a petition which rapidly collected more than a million signatures, Mr Burnham appeared to U-turn on the issue.

The Prime Minister was able to exempt around 1,000 rapists and child sex offenders from the controversial scheme.

However, with the revised agreement, PC Harper's killers would have still been allowed to roam free on Britain's streets.

Bowers and Cole were trying to steal the quad bike and, upon PC Harper's arrival, fled the scene. The third convicted individual, the driver, Henry Long, has not been eligible for early release.

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When it was first suggested that PC Harper's killers would be released under the notorious scheme, the police officer's widow, Lissie Harper, who campaigned for Harper's Law, said the move was an "utter betrayal".

"This is disgusting. I am beyond appalled and bristling with anger to hear that Andrew’s killers are soon to be free to roam the streets,” she said in a statement.

Mrs Harper said: "What abhorrent message does this send? How dare ministers say the killing of a police officer is not enough of a ‘sickening crime’ that deserves the stiffest of punishments.

"The level of disrespect the government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt."

She added: "The killers of Andrew have shown no remorse... they robbed us of our future. They are vile criminals and they should remain in jail.

"To release them early from their already pitiful sentences is an affront to justice. The Government and the justice system have not just let me down...

"They have added insult to injury. They are meant to be on our side."

An MoJ spokesman said: "The death of PC Andrew Harper was a horrific crime.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and we share the anger from the police community that we are in this position.

"The Prime Minister has asked the Justice Secretary to work through further options to keep a greater number of the most serious offenders in prison, including the killers of PC Harper."