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PC Andrew Harper's killers may be eligible for early release, government confirms
The new Sentencing Act could free 6,000 inmates and may let Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers leave prison halfway through 13-year terms.
- The Ministry of Justice confirmed yesterday that Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, jailed for 13 years in 2020 for the manslaughter of Police Constable Andrew Harper, may be released halfway through their sentences under the new Sentencing Act.
- To address worsening prison overcrowding, the Government introduced an early release scheme allowing some 6,000 criminals to serve 40 per cent of their sentences rather than 50 per cent under the new Sentencing Act.
- Debbie Adlam, Harper's mother, condemned the decision as an "insult," while The Police Federation for England and Wales deputy chairman Brian Booth said officers will be "utterly sickened" at Cole and Bowers' prospect of early release.
- Although Lissie Harper campaigned for Harper's Law to extend mandatory life sentences for killing emergency workers, the statute is not retrospective, leaving Cole and Bowers eligible while driver Henry Long remains excluded with his 16-year term.
- The Government maintains the Act excludes the "most dangerous" offenders, yet family members and police representatives continue urging reconsideration, questioning what message this sends about the value of a police officer's life.
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MK CitizenReposted by 
Bucks Herald
Bucks HeraldThames Valley Police chief's response to reports of early release following death of PC Andrew Harper
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg has expressed his concern following reports that Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who were convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper in 2020, may be eligible for early release from prison.
·Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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timesandstar.co.ukReposted by 
Rother Radio - Rotherham & Sheffield's Best Variety of Hits!
Rother Radio - Rotherham & Sheffield's Best Variety of Hits!Burnham to review early release policy amid concerns from family of Pc Harper
Pc Harper died while responding to a report of a quad bike theft in 2019.
·Cumbria, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources30
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
71% Center
12%
C 71%
R 17%
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