Lissie Harper, whose husband PC Andrew Harper was killed in 2019, has described the possible early release of two of his killers as 'deplorable', as Prime Minister Andy Burnham ordered a review of the government's early release scheme.
Speaking on Wednesday, Burnham said he would 'look at it in detail before we go further forward', after reports that Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers – both sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter – could be freed early under the Sentencing Act. The act, passed under Sir Keir Starmer's government, will see about 6,000 offenders released on tags from September, with no exemptions for serious crimes, domestic abuse or terrorism.
“PC Andrew Harper's widow calls early release 'deplorable' as PM Burnham reviews policy amid minister hot-mic row.”
'Hundreds of offenders will start being released early under the new Sentencing Act from September,' the sources state. Unlike previous emergency measures that saw tens of thousands of prisoners freed, the act contains no carve-outs.
In a statement, Lissie Harper said: 'It has taken me years to rebuild a life that was torn apart in a matter of moments. It is deplorable to me that we have reached a point where releasing prisoners early is even considered acceptable.'
The controversy deepened after a hot-mic video emerged showing Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood joking about the scheme. Streeting was heard saying 'He wants to let them all out' as Justice Secretary Alex Norris approached. Both ministers later apologised, with Streeting writing on social media that it was a reference to an old Theresa May/Ken Clarke joke and 'I appreciate these are very serious issues'.
Victims' groups condemned the comments, while Prison Officers' Association chair Mark Fairhurst urged the PM to ensure there are 'exemptions' to the scheme. Burnham acknowledged 'pressure on prisons places' and said a failure to invest had created 'an unacceptable situation'. He added: 'I want to assure myself that everything has been looked at before this policy proceeds.'
The row exposes a deepening tension between the government's need to ease overcrowding and public fury over justice for victims. For the Harper family, the question remains: will those who killed PC Andrew Harper walk free?