Christopher Mckeon

The Police Federation has threatened a legal challenge against the government’s decision to allow Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, convicted of manslaughter in the death of PC Andrew Harper, to qualify for early release after serving half of their 13-year sentences. Federation chair Aileen O’Connor said the policy was an unforgivable betrayal that would damage police morale, while a petition opposing it reached 100,000 signatures. Justice Secretary Alex Norris said ministers wanted broader exemptions but could not risk overwhelming the prison estate, which is under severe capacity pressure. The government expects about 5,000 prisoners to be released early and has pledged 14,000 new prison spaces by 2031.