Exemption could stop Pc Harper's killers' early release, says former top judge

Former leading judge Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd has suggested that exempting a type of manslaughter from early release from prison could stop the release of Pc Andrew Harper's killers, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole. The exemption would apply to "unlawful act" manslaughter, which occurs when a person's actions are grossly negligent and result in someone's death.

Currently, criminal courts classify manslaughter into three categories: murder, gross negligence manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter, which includes unlawful act manslaughter. Lord Thomas explained that it could be feasible to differentiate between these types of manslaughter within prison records, suggesting that distinguishing between the three types should be a relatively straightforward process.

However, he acknowledged that administrative challenges could make the process more complex. The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is seeking to prevent Bowers and Cole's early release, which they are currently eligible for under the government's early release scheme aimed at addressing overcrowding in jails. Burnham has tasked Justice Secretary Alex Norris with developing plans to free up prison space for serious offenders.