BRITAIN’S top cop has warned the justice system is in a “dangerous place” as two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers are set to be released early from prison.
Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley hit out as more than 600,000 people signed a petition in a bid to block the move.
PC Andrew Harper with wife Lissie Credit: PA
Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has slammed the ‘lack of support’ for police officers Credit: Tayfun Salci
Campaigners, including PC Harper’s widow Lissie, want Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole exempted from a controversial scheme to let out prisoners guilty of manslaughter halfway through their sentence.
PM Andy Burnham is facing mounting pressure to exclude the killers of emergency workers as part of the initiative to free-up prison spaces.
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Some 5,000 criminals will be released over ten months from October.
Sir Mark told LBC Radio: “I think we’re in a dangerous place if the justice system is tipping towards making more decisions based on resources available, than they are based on the risk that offenders pose to communities.
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“Officers need the sense the law is behind them when they’re assaulted, when they take these risks, and in the most tragic circumstances as is PC Andrew Harper, where his life was lost protecting the public.
“Officers see it as a message of a lack of support from the justice system, and I don’t think that’s good.”
PC Harper, 28, died investigating the theft of a £10,000 quad bike near Sulhamstead, Berks, in August 2019.
Bowers and Cole, then 17, tried to escape in a car driven by Henry Long, 18.
Killer Albert Bowers could be set for early release from prison Credit: PA
Imprisoned Jessie Cole could also be released early Credit: PA
But the officer’s ankles got caught in a tow strap and he suffered catastrophic injuries as he was dragged in the dark for more than a mile at 43mph.
Bowers and Cole got 13 years in July 2020, meaning they could be released by October.
Long, the main perpetrator who pleaded guilty, got 16 years and is not eligible for release under the scheme.
Aileen O’Connor, chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation, is threatening legal action against the decision to free the two killers.
PC Andrew Harper was dragged to his death in 2019 as he attempted to stop thieves stealing a quad bike Credit: PA
Widow Lissie Harper has slammed plans for her husband’s killers’ early release as an ‘utter betrayal’ Credit: PA
And Thames Valley Chief Constable Jason Hogg says he could support the challenge.
Meanwhile, the Government is trying to identify grooming gang sex pests who could dodge early release exemptions as they were sentenced for indecent assault, rather than under anti-grooming laws.
Mr Burnham’s spokesman said: “This work is happening urgently. This is extremely important to the PM.”
