PC Andrew Harper’s killers to stay in jail as Burnham confirms changes to early release scheme

PC Andrew Harper’s killers will be excluded from the early release scheme as Andy Burnham confirms anyone convicted of unlawful killing would be exempt.

The Prime Minister has told the BBC that PC Andrew Harper's killers will remain behind bars as he announced changes to the early release scheme.

Burnham said to BBC Breakfast anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, will be excluded from the scheme.

The prime Minister added that extra prison space would be created by deporting foreign prisoners and releasing some inmates serving indefinite sentences.

Bowers and Cole, two of PC Harper’s three killers, were passengers in the car that dragged the police officer down a country road after he got caught in a strap attached to the vehicle as they fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in 2019.

Under the scheme the pair were due to be released next year, halfway through their 13-year sentences.

The change follows months of campaigning from PC Harper's family and police colleagues to block the release of his killers.

Burnham told the BBC: “We’ve come up with a proposal which will allow not just those guilty of manslaughter, the people involved in the killing of Pc Harper, but those who have been convicted for indecent assault, those convicted for death by dangerous driving, all of these offenders now will remain in prison. Hundreds of them.

“I heard obviously what Andrew Harper’s family were saying, I mean who couldn’t? Nobody would want a position to arise where those guilty of killing a police officer are let out early from prison.”

He concluded his announcement that "hundreds" more people will stay in prison, meaning that additional space will need to be found.

The Prime Minister ordered a review of the scheme, which is being undertaken by Justice Secretary Alex Norris and is set to be published when Parliament returns from summer recess in September.