Police chief considers joining legal action over PC Harper killers' early release
The Thames Valley Police chief is considering legal action to challenge the early release of two men convicted of manslaughter in the death of PC Andrew Harper. The move follows public outcry and concerns that the government's current prison release scheme excludes certain offenders while including those responsible for killing police officers.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between prison capacity management and public expectations for justice in cases involving the death of law enforcement officers.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Police officer Andrew Harper suffered fatal injuries while on duty in 2019
The chief constable of Thames Valley Police says he will consider joining legal action to block the release of two of PC Andrew Harper's killers.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg told the BBC he was in discussion with the Police Federation over the matter, adding public opinion on their potential release was "overwhelming".
PC Harper, who served with Thames Valley, was killed in 2019 when he was dragged by a car down a country road as three teenagers fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Berkshire.
The two passengers in the car, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter and could apply for early release after serving half of their sentences.
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