Officer who led PC Harper investigation 'appalled' killers could be released early
Former Det Sup Stuart Blaik, who led the investigation into the police officer's death, has publicly shared his views on the case for the first time.
The senior investigating officer in the PC Andrew Harper case has expressed deep concern over the prospect of two killers becoming eligible for early release. PC Harper, 28, died tragically in 2019 after being dragged behind a getaway car by three teenagers who had fled the scene of a quad bike theft. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were sentenced to 13 years for the manslaughter of PC Harper, will be eligible to be released next year under revised government plans to tackle prison overcrowding.
PC Harper's widow, Lissie Harper, has joined a growing number of people calling for Cole and Bowers to be denied early release, stating that they showed no remorse during their time in police custody or during their trial. Former Det Sup Stuart Blaik, who led the Thames Valley Police investigation, has publicly shared his views on the issue for the first time, stating that he is deeply concerned and appalled by the prospect of Cole and Bowers being considered for early release.
Brief written by urgent.news from BBC News's own syndicated text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
