Stephen Watson backs bid to stop Pc Harper killers’ release

The call comes as the Government looks at ways to create more space in prisons so serious offenders can serve more of their sentences.

Pc Harper was fatally injured in 2019 after becoming caught in a strap attached to the back of a car while responding to a quad bike theft.

Andy Burnham, Prime Minister, said in relation to Harper’s sister: “That I hear you, I feel for you. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t do everything I possibly could to try and lessen your anguish, and I am doing that.

“I am turning over every stone. I am looking at everything. I am pushing the system to go further.”

Pc Harper’s sister, Aimee Harper, had spoken publicly about her experience of sitting in court with the men convicted over her brother’s death.

Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole are due to be released next year after receiving 13-year sentences for manslaughter in 2020.

The policing leaders, including Mr Watson, have also called for an additional public protection safeguard for the most serious offenders.

The letter says victims and families must be properly considered when major changes are made to sentencing or release arrangements.

Mr Burnham said: “I’m not making comments today in a knee jerk way because I wouldn’t raise false hope of people.

“I’m doing it in a considered way, having looked in detail at the situation, having considered a range of advice.”

The Government has already changed early release rules to prevent rapists and paedophiles being released early, but those changes did not cover Pc Harper’s killers.

The Prime Minister has pointed to returning foreign national offenders and dealing with people serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences as ways of creating additional prison space.

He said he was “increasingly confident” that more serious offenders could serve their full sentences as a result.

Mr Burnham added: “I am confident that we can develop a plan to free up more spaces in the prison estate, so that we can ensure more serious offenders serve their full term.”

He had previously said he had “pushed the very limits” of the changes made to the early release system.

Mr Burnham has now indicated that further action could be possible as pressure grows over Pc Harper’s killers.