UK police widow and federation oppose early release of PC Harper's killers

PC Andrew Harper, a Thames Valley police officer, was killed in August 2019 after being dragged by a car during a quad‑bike theft chase in Berkshire. Two of the three men convicted of his manslaughter, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, received 13‑year sentences and are now eligible for early release under a government scheme aimed at easing prison overcrowding.

Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, and Thames Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O’Connor have launched a petition that has gathered more than 500,000 signatures, urging the government to exclude the two men from the scheme. The federation has said it will pursue legal action, and Chief Constable Jason Hogg is considering joining a judicial review. Former Detective Superintendent Stuart Blaik, who led the original investigation, said he is "appalled" by the prospect of the early releases.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris defended the policy, noting that exemptions have been made for rape and serious child‑sex offences but not for manslaughter, and that the reforms are needed to prevent a prison capacity crisis. The controversy has sparked a national debate over sentencing, victims’ rights and prison reform.