Debbie Adlam, the mother of PC Andrew Harper, has voiced her frustration over a government initiative allowing for the early release of prisoners. Her son, 28, died in 2019 after being dragged by a vehicle while police responded to a theft in Berkshire.
Under upcoming legislation known as the Sentencing Act, two of the individuals involved in the killing of PC Harper—Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers—could potentially be freed after serving only six years of their 13-year manslaughter sentences. Adlam described this development as a significant disappointment and suggested that other victims of crime likely share her feelings regarding the lack of adequate justice.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated he will review the policy, acknowledging the severe strain on prison capacity while facing calls for an overhaul of the entire justice system. While the government claims the system was near collapse when they took office, advocates like Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs argue that promised support mechanisms for victims are not currently functional.
Adlam remains critical of the government’s approach, stating that using prison overcrowding as a justification for early release is insufficient and emphasizes the need for long-term reform within the penal system.
