Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRhiannon JamesWednesday 26 August 2026 22:03 BSTPolice federation chair emotional over potential release of PC Andrew Harper’s killersOffenders convicted of unlawful act manslaughter, including two of Pc Andrew Harper’s killers, will be excluded from the early release scheme, according to reports.Justice Secretary Alex Norris is expected to introduce secondary legislation following a policy review ordered by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, sentenced to 13 years for their role in Pc Harper's 2019 death, would have qualified for release next year under current rules.The early release scheme was created to tackle jail overcrowding by permitting eligible prisoners to be discharged after serving 40 per cent of their sentence.A government spokesperson confirmed work is ongoing to keep serious offenders detained and noted that Harper’s Law enforces mandatory life sentences for killing emergency workers.In fullPC Andrew Harper’s killers ‘to be excluded from early release scheme’More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in