Officer says he's 'appalled' PC Harper's killers could be released early
A former police officer has expressed outrage over the potential early release of two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper. The case has sparked a debate regarding prison overcrowding policies and the severity of sentencing for crimes against police.
Why it matters
Highlights the tension between government prison reform policies and public expectations for justice in high-profile criminal cases.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Albert Bowers (left) and Jessie Cole (centre) seen leaving court in 2019 are eligible to be freed under the early release scheme
The senior investigating officer in the PC Andrew Harper case has told BBC Breakfast he is "appalled" that two of the killers will become eligible for early release.
PC Harper, 28, from Wallingford, Oxfordshire, died from catastrophic injuries in 2019 when he was dragged behind the getaway car of three teenagers who had fled the scene of a quad bike theft.
Two of his killers – Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers – will be eligible for early release next year under revised government plans to tackle prison overcrowding.
Stuart Blaik, who investigated the killing, said it was "particularly hard to understand" their case for early release and said police officers were shocked at the prospect.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in