Stuart Blaik, the retired detective who directed the investigation into the death of PC Andrew Harper, has expressed his strong opposition to the potential early release of two individuals convicted in the case. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole are currently eligible for discharge under new government measures aimed at mitigating prison overcrowding.
PC Harper, a 28-year-old officer based in Oxfordshire, died in 2019 after being dragged by a vehicle involved in a theft. In an interview with the BBC, Blaik argued that the severity of the crime and the lack of remorse shown by the offenders should disqualify them from such leniency. He urged the government to recognize the public sentiment against their release.
While the government has amended its release program to exclude those convicted of sexual offenses, individuals sentenced for manslaughter, like Bowers and Cole, remain eligible. This change allows them to apply for release after completing half of their 13-year sentences. Henry Long, who drove the vehicle, was sentenced to 16 years and does not qualify for this scheme.
Lissie Harper, the widow of the late officer, continues to campaign against the early release, stating that sentences should be served in their entirety. Justice Secretary Alex Norris maintains that these revisions are necessary to manage prison capacity, noting that those released early will face strict supervision.
