Liverpool Echo
·26 Aug 2026
Pc Andrew Harper’s killers blocked from early release in major Government U-turn
Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, convicted over the 2019 killing of police officer Andrew Harper, are reportedly set to be excluded from the government’s early-release scheme. Under current rules, they could have been released next year after serving 40% of their 13-year sentences. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ordered Justice Secretary Alex Norris to review the policy, with secondary legislation reportedly planned to change eligibility for certain manslaughter convictions. The review follows criticism from Harper’s family and police communities, while Harper’s Law already mandates life sentences for those convicted of killing emergency workers during a crime.