Investigating officer ‘appalled’ PC Harper’s killers could be released early
Detective Superintendent Stuart Blaik was the senior investigating officer on the case
Last updated 11 hours ago
The police detective who led the investigation into the death of Pc Andrew Harper said he is “appalled” two men convicted of his manslaughter could be eligible for early release.
Pc Harper sustained fatal injuries after getting caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and being dragged down a country road as the killers fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in 2019.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers could be freed halfway through their 13-year sentences under Government plans for early releases designed to tackle overcrowding in jails.
Detective Superintendent Stuart Blaik told the BBC he was “deeply concerned and appalled” by the prospect and that Cole and Bowers should “not be afforded the opportunity” of early release.
He said: “Neither of them showed any remorse during their time in police custody or during their subsequent trial.
“I hope the Government takes account of the strength of public feeling on this issue, which has been both clear and widespread,”
The Government has resisted pressure to exempt the two men from the early release scheme, part of the Sentencing Act passed earlier this year which cut the minimum amount of time many offenders would have to spend in prison.
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said he was receiving legal advice on whether the force could join a legal challenge mooted by local Police Federation chief Aileen O’Connor to prevent Cole and Bowers being freed.
The officer’s widow Lissie Harper said the Government “has punched us in the gut… they should be ashamed of themselves”.
“Hopefully we can make the current Government come to their senses and realise we cannot put people like this back on our streets.
“Justice should mean justice and serving the sentence given,” she said.
The Prime Minister has said he wanted to “go further” with the exemptions after ordering a review of the scheme, but this was “not possible without the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing”.
Those released will face tougher probation conditions, including electronic monitoring, random drug testing and possible bans from driving, pubs and events such as football matches.
The driver of the vehicle, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and will not be eligible for release under the scheme.