Petition to stop PC Harper’s killers being released early from prison hits one million signatures

A PETITION to stop the release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers has reached 1million signatures. The petition was launched when it was revealed that thugs Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were set to be released just half way through their 13-year sentences. PC Andrew Harper was dragged to his death in 2019 as he attempted to stop thieves stealing a quad bike Credit: Thames Valley Police/PA Wire Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole smirking as they are led away in cuffs Credit: The Sun Cole and Bowers are set to be let out in January next year under Labour’s early release scheme – designed to free up space in the prison system. But hopes were raised for PC Harper’s furious family when the PM ordered a review of the scheme. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Changes were made including preventing rapists and paedophiles from being let out early — but not including those convicted of manslaughter like Bowers and Cole. Now, after weeks of confusion, Andy Burnham has said he is “increasingly confident” a way could be found to prevent the thugs being turned loose. PM Andy Burnham said he was working to keep the pair exempt from early release Credit: AFP PC Harper’s killers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers Credit: PA But the PM stopped short of confirming how, or whether the pair will remain locked up. PC Harper’s mum, Debbie Adlam, blasted the “gut-wrenching” confusion as she revealed Downing Street had called her to claim the PM was doing “everything he can.” Thames Valley Police Federation chairwoman Aileen O’Connor started the petition calling for Bowers and Cole to be kept inside. She said that Labour had “sent a deeply troubling message” about the value it placed on police officers. Most read in The Sun She accepted, however, that there was now a “glimmer of hope”. Ms O’Connor’s petition has now reached 1million signatures as fury around the potential release of Bowers and Cole grows. Speaking earlier this week she said: “Their actions so far have been totally demoralising for all police officers.” Mr Burnham previously said: “I’ve heard the depth of concern felt across the country about the potential release of the killers of PC Andrew Harper. “Obviously I feel for the family and the anguish they’re going through. What I’ve done since I came into office is push the system every single day to go further. “I’ve not accepted it’s impossible to do more. I believe there is more that can be done.” Communities Secretary Angela Rayner said the PM was “really clear” the plan would keep the worst offenders in jail. Asked if this referred to Cole and Bowers, she said: “Yes.” Newly-married PC Harper died after getting caught up in a strap attached to the rear of a car. He was dragged more than a mile as the killers fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berks, in 2019. Bowers and Cole, both 17 at the time of the crime, got 13 years in 2020 after being convicted of manslaughter. YOU STOPPED THIS By Aileen O’Connor, Chair of Thames Valley Police Federation branch I AM blown away by the public’s support for our campaign to keep PC Andrew Harper’s killers behind bars. Thank you to every single person for taking the time and effort to sign that petition and support us. It is making a difference. But we are not there yet. To hear that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is “increasingly confident” they won’t be released is good — but it’s not enough. We will keep the pressure up until Parliament changes the law in September. Our colleague Andrew Harper made the ultimate sacrifice for the job that he loved, serving communities, serving society. The Government’s actions so far have sent a deeply troubling message about the value placed on those who make that sacrifice. Their actions so far have been totally demoralising for police officers. Every single day we are getting battered — psychologically and physically. It cannot continue. Every police officer in this country deserves better. The petition can be found here.