Plymouth Live
·26 Aug 2026
Victory for PC Andrew Harper’s family as killers are blocked from early release
Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who received 13-year sentences for their roles in the 2019 death of PC Andrew Harper, are reportedly set to be excluded from the Government’s early-release scheme. Under current rules, they would otherwise have been eligible for release next year after serving part of their sentences. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked Justice Secretary Alex Norris to review the scheme, which was introduced to reduce prison overcrowding, and secondary legislation may amend the Sentencing Act to exclude unlawful-act manslaughter cases. The proposed change follows campaigning by Harper’s family and wider reforms including Harper’s Law, mandatory life sentences for those convicted of killing emergency workers while committing a crime.