Police chiefs call for PM to prevent early release of PC Harper's killers

Fifty police chiefs have written a letter urging the Prime Minister to use every legal avenue to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers. PC Harper, a 28-year-old officer, was killed in 2019 during a quad bike theft in Berkshire when he was dragged behind a getaway car by three teenagers. The letter was released on Tuesday evening and welcomed the Prime Minister's intervention in the case, stating it provided an opportunity to examine all lawful options.

The letter called for greater consideration of victims when prisoners have their sentences altered, such as in the government's early release scheme aimed at reducing prison overcrowding. Under recent amendments to the Sentencing Act, Cole and Bowers, who received 13 years for PC Harper's manslaughter, are eligible for release after serving half their sentences.

The police chiefs made three requests to the Prime Minister: to pursue every lawful option to prevent the early release of Harper's killers, to consider the crimes committed by prisoners when altering their sentences, and to ensure victims and bereaved families are properly considered when making significant changes to sentencing or release arrangements.