Police Chief Weighs Legal Fight Over Harper Release

Thames Valley Police chief constable Jason Hogg is weighing whether to join a legal challenge over the early release scheme that could free two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers. Hogg said he is speaking with the Police Federation of England and Wales and would consider taking legal advice as public anger builds over the plan.

The case centers on Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were sentenced in 2020 to 13 years for manslaughter after the death of PC Harper in Berkshire. Harper, a Thames Valley officer, was killed in 2019 when he was dragged by a car down a country road as three teenagers fled the scene of a quad bike theft. Under the new policy, the two passengers in the car could apply for early release after serving half their terms. The driver, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible.

Hogg argued on BBC radio that the public response to the idea of their release is overwhelming and said he does not believe people responsible for taking a life should be let out early. He also pointed to the limits of Harper’s Law, the legislation passed after campaigning by Harper’s widow, Lissie. That law introduced mandatory life sentences for killers of emergency services workers and raised the maximum penalty for assaults on police and other emergency workers, but it was not retrospective and does not affect the men already sentenced.

The Police Federation in Thames Valley is also examining its options. Branch chair Aileen O’Connor said the organization is in talks and would back a challenge if specialists determine one is possible. She said barristers and legal experts would need to decide whether the policy can be tested in court. Any case would go before the High Court, where judges would assess whether the government acted unlawfully or in a way that was irrational under legal standards for ministerial decisions.