UK Justice Secretary to block early release for manslaughter convicts

Justice Secretary Alex Norris intends to introduce secondary legislation to amend the Sentencing Act, ensuring that individuals convicted of manslaughter, rape, and child grooming are excluded from early release schemes. This decision follows significant public backlash and a petition with over one million signatures regarding the potential release of those responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper.

Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who were sentenced to 13 years for the manslaughter of PC Harper in 2020, would have been eligible for release next year under current rules designed to alleviate prison overcrowding. The killers were involved in a 2019 incident where the officer was dragged behind a vehicle during a quad bike theft.

The proposed legislative changes aim to prevent criminals convicted of “unlawful act” manslaughter from qualifying for early discharge. This move comes as the government reviews policies that allow certain prisoners to be released after serving a portion of their fixed-term sentences.