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More than one million people have signed a petition opposing the planned early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted of manslaughter following the death of PC Andrew Harper in 2019. The milestone increases pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government as ministers examine legal options ahead of the October prison release scheme.
A petition calling for two of the men responsible for the death of Thames Valley Police officer PC Andrew Harper to remain behind bars has surpassed one million signatures, intensifying public pressure on the government over its proposed early release programme.
As of Friday morning, the campaign organised by the Thames Valley Police Federation had attracted more than 1,000,000 supporters, reflecting widespread concern over plans that could see Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers released from prison earlier than expected. The development comes just days before the seventh anniversary of PC Harper's death and amid growing political scrutiny of reforms designed to ease overcrowding across the prison estate in England and Wales.
PC Andrew Harper, a 28-year-old traffic officer with Thames Valley Police, was killed in August 2019 while responding to reports of a burglary in Berkshire. During an attempt to apprehend suspects, his ankle became entangled in a tow rope attached to a getaway vehicle. He was dragged for more than a mile along a rural road, suffering fatal injuries.
Henry Long, who drove the vehicle, was later sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment. Passengers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers each received 13-year sentences after being convicted of manslaughter in 2020. The case prompted national debate over sentencing laws and led to renewed calls for stronger protections for emergency service workers.
The controversy centres on the government's prison capacity measures, under which thousands of offenders could become eligible for earlier release. Ministers have announced sentencing reforms intended to reduce pressure on overcrowded prisons, with approximately 5,000 inmates expected to benefit after recent revisions to the scheme.
Cole and Bowers are among those who may qualify when the changes take effect in October, a prospect that has generated strong opposition from police organisations, victims' groups and members of the public.
In a statement marking the petition's latest milestone, the Thames Valley Police Federation thanked supporters for backing the campaign. The organisation noted that the achievement would be recognised respectfully because of the approaching anniversary of PC Harper's death and the continuing impact on his family.
Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that police representatives remain concerned that the release of the two men could undermine public confidence in the justice system and deepen frustration among serving officers.
The petition's rapid growth has coincided with increasing political attention on the issue. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly instructed Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to explore possible avenues for preventing Cole and Bowers from being released under the revised arrangements.
Senior ministers have also indicated that discussions are continuing across government departments. Speaking to journalists this week, ministers said all available options were being examined as officials assess whether legal mechanisms exist to exclude specific offenders from the scheme.
The issue presents a significant challenge for ministers attempting to balance prison capacity concerns with public expectations around justice and accountability. England and Wales have faced sustained pressure on prison places in recent years, leading successive governments to consider emergency measures aimed at preventing the system from reaching critical capacity.
However, critics argue that cases involving the deaths of police officers require exceptional consideration because of the risks officers face while protecting the public.
The death of PC Harper remains one of the most widely remembered cases involving the killing of a serving police officer in recent years. The circumstances surrounding the incident generated nationwide sympathy and led to the creation of the Harper's Law campaign, which sought tougher mandatory sentences for those responsible for killing emergency workers while committing criminal offences.
Former colleagues have repeatedly voiced concerns about the possibility of early release for those involved in the case. Among them is former police officer Chris Bushnell, who helped pursue the suspects on the day of the incident and has been an outspoken critic of the proposed release arrangements.
For many supporters of the petition, the issue extends beyond a single case. They argue that the outcome will send a broader message about how the justice system treats crimes that result in the deaths of police officers carrying out their duties.
With more than one million signatures now recorded and ministers facing growing public scrutiny, attention will turn to whether the government can identify a lawful route to prevent Cole and Bowers from benefiting from the October release programme. Until a final decision is reached, the case is likely to remain at the centre of a national debate over sentencing, public safety and confidence in the criminal justice system.
