PC Andrew Harper killers face early release under UK sentencing reforms

Two men convicted of manslaughter over the 2019 death of PC Andrew Harper – Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both sentenced to 13 years – may be eligible for early release under the government’s new Sentencing Act, which aims to alleviate prison overcrowding. The Ministry of Justice confirmed they could be released after serving half their sentences, while driver Henry Long, sentenced to 16 years, will not be eligible. Harper’s mother, Debbie Adlam, called the prospect “an insult” and said, “It makes me feel sick… a slap in the face and an insult.” Police unions denounced the move as “disgusting,” and the mayor, Andy Burnham, said the main perpetrator will not be freed early and has asked the Justice Secretary to review the policy. The reforms, set to start in September, could see around 6,000 offenders released early, but the government has not clarified exemptions for murderers, rapists or child‑groomers.