Lissie Harper, the widow of fallen police officer PC Andrew Harper, has expressed her outrage over a controversial early prison release scheme that could see her husband’s killers walk free. The emotional plea comes after reports indicated that the men responsible for her husband’s tragic death could be eligible for release sooner than expected.
In a heart-wrenching incident in 2019, PC Harper, just 28 years old, was fatally injured when Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, then teenagers, towed him behind their vehicle while attempting to flee from the police. The officer had intervened as they were transporting a stolen quad bike in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Following their conviction for manslaughter, Bowers and Cole received sentences of 13 years each, while the driver, Henry Long, was sentenced to 16 years and remains ineligible for early release.
Lissie Harper has been vocal about the profound impact her husband’s death has had on her family. “It has taken me years to rebuild a life that was torn apart in a matter of moments,” she shared, highlighting the pain and loss caused by the actions of the three men. She criticized the political decisions being made regarding prisoner releases, calling it “deplorable” that such measures are even considered.
Adding to the family’s distress, PC Harper’s mother, Debbie Adlam, described the possibility of her son’s killers being released as an “insult.” She revealed that she had received a warning from the Ministry of Justice about the potential for Bowers and Cole’s early release, expressing her disgust at the thought. “It feels like a slap in the face,” she stated, voicing concerns that offenders are getting a “free pass for crime.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reassured the public that the main perpetrator in PC Harper’s death will not be eligible for early release. He acknowledged the need to review the early release policy, which is set to commence in September and could see thousands of offenders released in an effort to alleviate prison overcrowding.
The new program would allow some serious offenders to be released after serving half their sentence, while those convicted of lesser crimes could be freed after just a third of their time served. Burnham has indicated that he is considering excluding certain offenders, such as rapists and child groomers, from this policy, but any changes would require new legislation.
The Police Federation for England and Wales has also condemned the possibility of Bowers and Cole’s early release, with Deputy National Chair Brian Booth stating that it would sicken police officers nationwide.
In response to her husband’s tragic death, Lissie Harper has been a strong advocate for tougher penalties for those who harm emergency workers, leading to the introduction of Harper’s Law, which mandates life sentences for the manslaughter of emergency personnel.
As the debate over early prison releases continues, the Ministry of Justice has expressed its condolences to PC Harper’s family, emphasizing the challenges facing the prison system. With the government striving to address public safety while managing prison populations, many are left wondering how these decisions will impact victims’ families and the broader community. What do you think about the early release policy?
