🚨🇬🇧 PC ANDREW HARPER’S KILLERS WILL NOT GET EARLY RELEASE AFTER GOVERNMENT U-TURN
A major development has changed the situation surrounding the killers of PC Andrew Harper. Although two of those convicted of manslaughter had initially been expected to qualify for early release under the government’s new prison-sentence rules, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has now confirmed that all offenders convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, will be excluded from the scheme.
The announcement followed intense public pressure from Harper’s family, police colleagues and campaigners. Earlier in August, the government had confirmed that manslaughter would not initially be included among the offences exempt from early release, meaning two of Harper’s killers could have benefited from the changes.
That position has now been reversed. Burnham said the change means those responsible for Harper’s unlawful killing will not have their sentences shortened under the new scheme.
PC Andrew Harper was killed in 2019 while responding to a reported burglary in Berkshire. Three teenagers were eventually convicted of manslaughter, with sentences of 16 and 13 years. The case later led to Harper’s Law, introducing mandatory life sentences for people convicted of killing emergency workers in certain circumstances.
For Harper’s family, the latest decision represents a significant reversal after weeks of uncertainty over whether the men responsible could benefit from the early-release reforms.
Sources: The Guardian · ITV News · Al Jazeera
