Detective who led PC Harper probe is ‘appalled’ that killers could be freed early

THE detective who led the probe into PC Harper’s death and put his killers behind bars says he is “appalled” they could be freed early. Ex-Det Supt Stuart Blaik spoke of his fury at plans to release Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who showed “no remorse” for their role in the killing. Ex-Det Supt Stuart Blaik spoke of his fury at plans to release Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole Credit: BBC Mr Blaik led the probe into PC Harper’s death in August 2019 Credit: PA Andrew had just wed his wife Lissie, when he was fatally dragged along country roads behind a car driven by Henry Long in August 2019. Bowers and Cole, then 17, were passengers as PC Harper was pulled for more than a mile after his ankles got caught in a towrope loop. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The pair, who smirked during their trial, got 13 years for manslaughter in 2020, meaning they could soon be freed under the government’s scheme. And Mr Blaik, who led the Thames Valley Police probe in 2019, said he was “deeply concerned” by the killers’ potential release. Bowers and Cole, who smirked during their trial, got 13 years for manslaughter in 2020 Credit: PA The pair were passengers as PC Harper was pulled for more than a mile after his ankles got caught in a towrope loop Credit: PA Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he said: “Neither of them showed any remorse during their time in police custody or during their subsequent trial. “I hope the Government takes account of the strength of public feeling on this issue, which has been both clear and widespread. “I just really don’t understand why the Early Release Scheme is being used in these sort of circumstances, it just doesn’t feel right.” Mr Blaik, who left the force in 2023, told how the smirking killers showed “no remorse whatsoever” throughout legal proceedings. Most read in The Sun He added: “Their behaviour at the remand hearing and that way that they were reacting to the cameras… “The fact that they showed absolutely no remorse whatsoever, and then the subsequent trial, that came out again during that process. ‘I don’t understand why something of this nature and seriousness could be part of that early release scheme, it doesn’t make any sense to me.” Andrew’s furious widow Lissie Harper, 35, spoke of her anger as she described the situation as an “utter betrayal”. Albert Bowers showed no remorse throughout the trial, Mr Blaik fumed Credit: PA Jessie Cole could be released in October Credit: PA She said: “This is disgusting. I’m beyond appalled and bristling with anger to hear Andrew’s killers are soon to be free. “The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims, and their loved ones such as me, is beyond contempt. “What abhorrent message does this send? “How dare ministers say the killing of a police officer isn’t enough of a ‘sickening crime’ that deserves the stiffest of punishments. “Andrew’s killers have shown no remorse. To release them early from their already pitiful sentences is an affront to justice.” PM Andy Burnham launched an urgent review of Sir Keir Starmer’s early release scheme, which aimed to ease pressure on crowded jails. But despite raising hopes he could block the move, Mr Burnham decided prisons are too full to exclude manslaughter from the scheme. Aileen O’Connor, chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation, is now threatening legal action against the decision to free the two killers. She said the decision was a betrayal of PC Harper’s legacy, as a petition to stop his killers being let out passed 500,000 verified signatures. Long, the main perpetrator who pleaded guilty, got 16 years and is not eligible for release under the scheme. Early releases will begin in October. Mr Burnham said: “I wanted to go even further as I know there will still be concerns about other offenders having their sentence shortened. “But it’s not possible without the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing, which would put public safety at much greater risk.” Tiff Lynch, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, branded the release as “deeply disappointing” and “impossible to justify”. She said: “The Government has recognised that some offenders are simply too dangerous to benefit from early release, yet those convicted of killing police officers have been left off that list” “We recently spoke out against the early release of the men responsible for PC Andrew Harper’s death, and officers, their families and the public will be asking why those who murder police officers can still qualify for reduced time behind bars.”