Police Federation threatens legal action over early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers
A furious backlash has erupted over plans that could see two men convicted over the death of PC Andrew Harper released early from prison, with the Police Federation threatening legal action to block the decision.
Aileen O’Connor, chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, said the organisation would fight the move “with everything” it has available after the Government confirmed that Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers remain eligible under the early release scheme.
PC Andrew Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was killed in August 2019 when responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire
Jessie Cole (left) and Albert Bowers were each handed 13 years in custody for manslaughter after a trial into PC Harper’s death at the Old Bailey in 2020
Despite conducting an ‘urgent review’ of the early release scheme, Andy Burnham is still allowing Cole and Bowers to be eligible for early release
The two men were each sentenced to 13 years in custody for manslaughter following the death of PC Harper, who was killed in August 2019 while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.
PC Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, died after becoming caught in a strap attached to the back of a vehicle as three teenage suspects fled the scene of a burglary.
The driver of the vehicle, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and would not qualify for the Government’s early release scheme.
However, Cole and Bowers’ shorter sentences mean they remain eligible for release under the controversial policy.
The possibility of their early release has triggered widespread anger from police officers and PC Harper’s family.
Aileen O’Connor said the decision was an “unforgivable” betrayal of officers who risk their lives to protect the public.
She said the Police Federation would pursue a legal challenge involving senior lawyers and would do whatever necessary to protect PC Harper’s legacy and support other victims who do not have a public platform.
PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, also expressed fury over the Government’s decision.
In an emotional statement, she said losing her husband in such a horrific way had already been unbearable, but that the possibility of his killers being released early represented another devastating blow.
PC Harper, pictured with his wife, Lissie, who has again hit out at the Government’s decision
She criticised the explanation that prison overcrowding was behind the decision, describing it as unacceptable and disrespectful to victims’ families.
Lissie said the decision could send the wrong message to criminals and argued that it undermined confidence in the justice system.
She added that the move showed a lack of respect towards Andrew Harper, his loved ones and other families affected by serious crime.
The criticism has also come from senior police figures.
Jason Hogg, chief constable of Thames Valley Police, said he would consider supporting the Police Federation’s legal action.
He described the early release of the two men as “perverse” and said many police officers struggled to understand the decision.
The chief constable warned that the issue could damage morale among officers across the country and weaken public confidence in the criminal justice system.
He urged the Government to reconsider the decision despite acknowledging the pressures caused by overcrowding in prisons.
PC Harper’s mother, Debbie Adlam, said the family was “bitterly disappointed” and that Andrew deserved better.
A petition launched by the Police Federation calling for action against the release decision has already attracted more than 100,000 signatures.
The controversy comes after the Government partially changed its early release plans by excluding rapists and child sex offenders from the scheme.
However, campaigners argue that other serious offences should also be reviewed.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris said the Government wanted to extend exemptions further but claimed it could not do so without creating further pressure on the prison system.
He said officials had listened to affected families and apologised to some relatives, including those connected to PC Harper.
The early release scheme was introduced as part of efforts to deal with severe prison overcrowding.
The Government has pledged to create 14,000 additional prison spaces by 2031, but the policy has faced criticism from victims’ groups, police leaders and prison organisations.
The Prison Governors’ Association also warned that last-minute changes had placed additional pressure on staff and increased the risk of mistakes.
For PC Andrew Harper’s family and colleagues, however, the issue is not simply about prison capacity — it is about justice, accountability and the message sent to society.
As the Police Federation prepares a possible legal challenge, the dispute over the early release of his killers is set to become a major political and public debate.
