PC Andrew Harper’s k!.l.3rs face a major blow as early release rules are set to change…
STAYING LOCKED UP Two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers set to be kept in prison amid plans to change the Early Release Scheme
THE Government is confident that two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers will be kept in prison, police bosses have been told.
Police chiefs have been told that Justice Secretary Alex Norris plans changes to the Early Release Scheme legislation so Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole can be kept locked up.
The Government is confident that two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers will be kept in prison, pictured Albert Bowers and Jessie ColeCredit: The Sun
Bowers and Cole were jailed for 13 years for the manslaughter of PC HarperCredit: PA
Andy Burnham had reportedly asked the Justice Secretary to “work through further options” to find a way to keep the pair behind bars.
Police chiefs have been told Mr Norris plans to introduce secondary legislation – which changes existing laws quickly – covering manslaughter, rape and child grooming.
They are expected to exclude “unlawful act” manslaughter, where a person causes the death of another while committing an illegal act.
Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were jailed for 13 years for the manslaughter of PC Harper, 28, who was dragged for more than a mile behind their car when he responded to reports of theft in 2019.
Plans to let out the killers in January – under Labour plans to release up to 5,000 prisoners over ten months from October – had sparked fury.
The PM had also faced being taken to court by furious top cops who threatened to take legal action.
Met boss Sir Mark Rowley also hit out and warned the justice system was in a “dangerous place.”
Thames Valley chair Aileen O’Connor also called their potential release “an insult to Andrew’s family, friends and colleagues”.
A petition to stop his killers being let out had passed 1 million signatures.
