Police chiefs call for PM to prevent early release of PC Harper's killers
Fifty police chiefs have signed a letter urging the UK Prime Minister to prevent the early release of the killers of PC Andrew Harper. The officers argue that the early release of those who kill police officers undermines the sacrifice made by law enforcement.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between prison overcrowding policies and public safety concerns regarding sentencing for violent crimes against law enforcement.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Police officer Andrew Harper suffered fatal injuries while on duty in 2019
Fifty police chiefs have signed a letter urging the prime minister to pursue "every legal option" to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers.
PC Harper, 28, died in 2019 when he was dragged behind the getaway car of three teenagers who had fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Berkshire.
The intervention comes shortly after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "confident" the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers in January could be prevented.
The letter welcomed the prime minister's intervention, adding: "This provides an opportunity not only to examine every lawful avenue in PC Andrew Harper's case, but to ensure similar concerns do not arise again."
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