Petition to stop early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers smashes past 200,000 signatures

A petition calling for the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers has smashed past 200,000 signatures.

Yesterday, Andy Burnham gave the thumbs-up to plans to let a number of criminals, including those guilty of murder, become eligible for early release just halfway through their sentences.

Two of those who could be released include Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both of whom were convicted of manslaughter in 2020.

The 28-year-old officer was killed in August 2019. While responding to a quad bike theft in Berkshire, he was dragged by a vehicle down a country road.

His death led his widow, Lissie Harper, to successfully campaign for Harper's Law, introducing mandatory life sentences for those convicted of killing an emergency worker while committing a crime.

But Bowers and Cole could be released after only having served six-and-a-half years in jail.

In response, Thames Valley Police Federation, chaired by Aileen O'Connor, has launched a petition demanding that the killers are blocked from being set free.

Issuing the petition before Mr Burnham, Ms O'Connor challenged him along with the Justice Secretary to stand before PC Harper's loved ones "or indeed any police officer" to explain why those convicted of murdering an officer should be released.

She said: "Explain it to the officers who attended the scene on August 15 2019 and witnessed the horrific consequences of that crime.

"The friends and colleagues that had to hear about it on the radio. Tell them that the life of a police officer does not warrant the same protection under this legislation."

The petition has now collected more than 200,000 signatures while fury continues over the early release scheme.

One of those up in arms over the early release scheme includes Peter Bleksley, a retired Metropolitan Police detective.

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The policing expert told GB News that the outcry over the plan is the "first real test" of Mr Burnham's premiership.

"The people have spoken, the people are continuing to speak," he said.

Speaking to the People's Channel, Mr Bleksley said: "This petition clearly shows the outrage felt by the publicabout the dreadful prospect about these two pieces of vermin being released early from prison.

"Will Burnham's deed match his words? Will this appalling decision be overturned?

"Or will we once again realise that we've got a Prime Minister whose ambitions outstrip his ability?

"This is an absolute outrage, that the life of PC Harper and his memory could be treated so appallingly by releasing these disgusting creatures onto the streets after serving such a short time in prison, would, is, and shall continue to be an absolute outrage."

Earlier today, Ms O'Connor even threatened a formal legal challenge, saying Police Federation would "throw everything at this through a proper legal challenge" and would "accept nothing less".

"We will do what we have to do to protect Andrew Harper’s legacy and other victims up and down the country who don’t have a platform to put their points across," she said.