PC Harper Killers to Become Eligible for Early Release

Former Det Sup Stuart Blaik, who led the Thames Valley Police investigation, said "like many people across the country" he was "deeply concerned and appalled" by the prospect of Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole being considered for early release. PC Harper, 28, from Wallingford, Oxfordshire, died from catastrophic injuries in 2019 when he was dragged behind the getaway car of three teenagers who had fled the scene of a quad bike theft. Bowers and Cole were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter and will become eligible for release after serving half of their sentences under revised government plans to tackle prison overcrowding, instead of two-thirds.

The driver of the getaway car, Henry Long, was jailed for 16 years but will not be eligible. Blaik, who left Thames Valley Police in 2023, said because the "death of Andrew was such a serious and tragic case", Bowers and Cole should "not be afforded the opportunity" to be released early.