Police chiefs call for PM to prevent early release of PC Harper's killers

Police leaders from across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have urged greater attention to be given to victims when prisoners’ sentences are adjusted, particularly in the context of the government’s early release program intended to alleviate overcrowding in prisons. This appeal was made in reference to the scheme allowing certain inmates to become eligible for release after serving only part of their sentences.

Earlier this year, amendments to the Sentencing Act mean that individuals like Cole and Bowers, who were each sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020, could qualify for release after serving just half of their terms. The police chiefs expressed concern that the early release of the offenders responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper might undermine public confidence and diminish the recognition of the sacrifices made by officers who put themselves at risk to protect the community.

In a letter released on Tuesday evening, the chiefs outlined three key demands addressed to the prime minister. The first request is to explore “every lawful option to determine whether the earlier release of those responsible for PC Andrew Harper’s death can be prevented,” a commitment already echoed by the prime minister. The second demand calls on the government to ensure that the severity of a prisoner’s crimes is given more weight when considering any alterations to their sentences, especially for offenders involved in deaths, acts of extreme violence, or those who pose continuing threats to the public.

Their letter emphasized this point, stating that considerations around release are “not simply a question of punishment,” but rather center on “public protection, victim confidence and community safety” in decisions that could significantly reduce custody time. Finally, the chiefs stressed that victims and grieving families must be “properly considered whenever significant changes are made to sentencing or release arrangements.” The early release scheme is projected to see about 5,000 inmates freed early, a reduction from an earlier estimate of 6,000 due to exemptions for those convicted of the most serious offenses, including rape and child sexual exploitation

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