‘It is beyond disgraceful and an insult to justice’: Sun readers blast PM & demand PC Harper’s killers remain locked up

IT was the crime that shocked the nation – brave PC Andrew Harper was dragged to his death in 2019 as he attempted to stop thieves stealing a quad bike. But now there is further ­outrage at the news that two of the brave officer’s three killers could serve just half their prison sentences. PC Andrew Harper was dragged to his death in 2019 as he attempted to stop thieves stealing a quad bike Credit: PA PM Andy Burnham has allowed offenders convicted of manslaughter to be included in an early release scheme Credit: AP That is because new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has allowed offenders convicted of manslaughter to be included in an early release scheme. Thames Valley Police, where PC Harper was serving at the time of his killing, is determined to make the Labour government change its mind. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Aileen O’Connor, the chair of the force’s federation, has started a petition calling for police officers to be properly protected. In just a day, the change.org poll has received more than 350,000 signatures. She wrote: “I challenge the Prime Minister and the Justice Secretary to stand before PC Andrew Harper’s widow, Lissie, his parents, his brother, his loved ones, or indeed any police officer in this country, and explain why those responsible for killing a police officer should still be eligible for early release.” Sir Keir Starmer introduced an early release scheme to reduce prison overcrowding while he was in power. Burnham vowed to review the controversial decision, but has so far only excluded rapists and serious child sex offenders. As a result, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who were jailed for 13 years in 2020 for PC Harper’s ­manslaughter, could soon be freed. Most read in The Sun Disgraceful Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole smirking as they are led away in cuffs Credit: The Sun Aileen O’Connor, the chair of Thames Valley Police’s federation, has started a petition calling for police officers to be properly protected Credit: Supplied Henry Long, who drove the car that pulled PC Harper, 28, to his death at “breakneck speed”, was also convicted of manslaughter but received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release. Furious Sun readers want justice for PC Harper. Here are just some of your messages… THE proposed early release of two of the prisoners responsible for the death of PC Harper is beyond disgraceful. It is an insult to ­justice and Andy Burnham must stop this. Failing to act does not just send the wrong message. It sets a dangerous ­precedent. It is a slap in the face to Andrew’s widow, Lissie, every police officer and the law-abiding public. Stephen Turnbull, Chopwell, Tyne and Wear SO the Prime Minister and Justice Secretary have angered cops over the dreadful decision to potentially let two of the ­killers of PC Harper go free early. What should have been said is that Andy Burnham has angered the vast majority of the COUNTRY by his appalling actions. He needs to reverse this catastrophe or resign! Brian Day, Pontefract, West Yorks WHILE the plan to release PC Harper’s killers goes ahead, our new PM is basking in the sun. Take note, Mr Burnham — the shine of your new reign is going to dull very quickly if you are not careful. I have just signed the petition and I hope that everyone unites in support. Emma Morton, Devon THE decision to include the killers of PC Andrew Harper in the early release scheme is an insult to his family and his memory, and flies in the face of every principle of common decency. No one would argue with keeping rapists and child sex offenders behind bars, but killing an emergency worker in the course of their duty is no less of a crime. Lesley Evans, Walsall I AM by inclination an abolitionist on the issue of the death penalty. However, with regards to the killers of PC Harper, had their sentence been ­hanging, perhaps it would have served as a deterrent — and the prisons would have been slightly less crowded. John Barstow, Pulborough, West Sussex THE latest bid to release two of the ­killers early is an insult to the police force and, in particular, PC Harper’s family. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were even seen laughing as they left court ahead of their trial — they certainly do not deserve early release. Prime Minister, please protect those that protect us. Phil Hughes, Broadstairs, Kent IT is entirely understandable that the police feel desperately unhappy at the prospect of two of PC Harper’s killers being freed early. If released, these men will have served barely six years for a crime that ­devastated a family, the entire police force and the public. It must make officers question whether it is worth putting themselves in harm’s way every day. Max Martin, Lordshill, Southampton ABSOLUTELY shocking, disgusting and a gift for future cop killers, or indeed all killers. PC Harper’s poor wife and family must be going through hell reading of this Government’s betrayal. The 13 years given to both Bowers and Cole wasn’t even enough for the evil, senseless killing of PC Harper, let alone six years. Please show your disgust, British people, and let’s make the time fit the crime. Patricia Otto-Langui, Tower Hamlets, E London MOST of the UK will have heartfelt ­sympathy for the family of PC Harper. I completely agree that this Government has failed them. Shame on those who make these ­unacceptable decisions and excuses. PC Harper deserves better. Marion Whalley, Blackburn, Lancs AILEEN O’CONNOR of Thames Valley Police brilliantly summed up the injustice of attempts to free two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers early. Andrew was her colleague and she was spot on calling the decision a “final betrayal by our politicians”. John Robson, Newcastle POLICE officers go to work each day, never knowing what might be in store for them, but they do it anyway. It is shameful of our Government to decide that two of PC Harper’s killers are “fit for release” before serving the totally inadequate ­sentence they were given initially. The killers laugh at the law because it means nothing to them, and politicians will earn themselves well-deserved scorn and rebuke if they set them free early. They have insulted the memory of PC Harper. Jean Norfolk, Knottingley, West Yorks 1 comment1