Thames Valley Police Marks Seventh Anniversary of Andrew Harper’s Death as Petition Surpasses One Million Signatures
Chief constables say the men were sentenced before Harper’s Law and could be freed under a prison overcrowding scheme, prompting calls for intervention.
- On Tuesday, August 11, Chief Constables across the United Kingdom sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to prevent the early release of Henry Long, Albert Bowers, and Jessie Cole.
- Cole and Bowers, serving 13-year sentences for the 2019 manslaughter of Police Constable Andrew Harper, are eligible for early release under a government scheme addressing prison overcrowding.
- A petition started by Thames Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O'Connor to block the release has attracted more than 1,046,000 signatures, reflecting strong public opposition to the potential decision.
- Mrs. Harper described the potential early release as "a gut punch," while Thames Valley Police officers marked the seventh anniversary of the officer's death with a remembrance service last Friday.
- Chief Constable Jason Hogg noted the campaign has become a discussion about "justice, public confidence" and society's recognition of emergency workers who "put themselves in harm's way.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Andy Burnham plots major rule change to BLOCK early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers
Andy Burnham plots major rule change to BLOCK early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers . Andy Burnham is considering a rule change to block the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers
MK Citizen
Bucks HeraldThames Valley Police marks seventh anniversary of Andrew Harper’s death as petition surpasses one million signatures
Thames Valley Police has marked the seventh anniversary of the death of its officer PC Andrew Harper, as a petition against the early release of two of those convicted of his death passed one million signatures.
Oxford Mail
Police chief grateful for 'extraordinary support' after death of PC Harper
It comes as the petition to keep his killers in jail surpasses one million signatures.
In the United Kingdom, the government could release 5,000 prisoners early in order to free prison places. Among these potentially eligible detainees are the murders of police officer Andrew Harper killed in 2019.
News & Star
Cumbrian police and fire boss 'confident' Burnham will stop Harper killers' release
PRIME Minister Andy Burnham has the support of Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner as he hears calls to to block the early release of…
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