County's top cop joins call for PM to block early release of police officer's killers
Leicestershire’s top cop is supporting the campaign calling for those responsible for the death of Pc Andrew Harper to be kept behind bars.
Chief Constable, David Sandall, is one of 50 senior police leaders from across the UK, who has signed an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him not to allow the early release of two of the three perpetrators.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter back in 2020 for their part in the crime.
The government has instigated an early release scheme for offenders due to the over-crowding of prisons with Cole and Bowers due for possible release in January after serving half of their sentences.
Leicestershire Police said in a statement today: “PC Harper, who was an officer in the Thames Valley Police, died in 2019 whilst trying to stop the theft of a quad bike.
“The possibility of an earlier-than-expected release of two of the three people responsible for his death has caused deep concern among the public and across policing.
“The letter, which also has the support of Leicestershire Police Federation, also calls for the introduction of stronger protections for victims and communities when release arrangements change.”
Mr Sandall has also signed the Thames Valley Police Federation petition opposing the early release of Andrew Harper’s killers, which has now received more than 900,000 signatures.
The Prime Minister has said he is confident that a plan can be implemented to ensure Cole and Bowers are not released early from prison.