Justice Minister Defends Early Release of PC Andrew Harper's Killers Amid Legal Challenge Threat
Justice minister Jake Richards has defended the government's decision to keep the killers of PC Andrew Harper eligible for early release, as the officer's mother expressed "bitter disappointment" and the Thames Valley chief constable said he would consider joining a legal challenge against the policy.
Speaking on Wednesday, Richards acknowledged the "unimaginable pain" of the Harper family but argued the government "cannot carve out every single offence people might want us to" from its early release scheme, according to The Guardian. The scheme is part of broader efforts to address the overcrowding crisis in prisons.
PC Andrew Harper died in August 2019 after sustaining fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Two men jailed for his manslaughter were given 13-year sentences and will be eligible for release after serving half that time, as reported by The Guardian.
The government announced on Monday that rapists, child sexual abusers, and groomers would be excluded from the early release scheme for England and Wales, following pressure from victims, MPs, and frontline prison officers. However, domestic abusers and killers — including those convicted of manslaughter — remain eligible.
Coverage Comparison
The Guardian's reporting has focused on the Harper family's anger, the government's justification for the policy, and the possibility of a legal challenge by the Police Federation. The justice minister's remarks were covered alongside the reaction from Debbie Adlam, PC Harper's mother, and from the Police Federation, whose chief said she felt "sick to her stomach" over the prospect of early release for the killers.
Key Claims
* PC Andrew Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, said she was "bitterly disappointed" and "devastated" that her son's killers remain eligible for early release, telling BBC Breakfast it was "completely right" that rapists and paedophiles were excluded but adding "they shouldn't have been considered in the first place." In an interview with BBC Newsnight, she said: "It feels like we're letting Andrew down again."
* Justice minister Jake Richards said the government "cannot carve out every single offence people might want us to" and that the new scheme would ensure every victim was contacted and invited to share measures they want to "ensure that they can be kept safe." He also told BBC Breakfast that "previous early release schemes… were rushed" and "weren't thought through."
* Thames Valley chief constable Jason Hogg said he was "receiving legal advice" and would "certainly consider" joining the Police Federation's legal action over the possible release of PC Harper's killers, according to The Guardian.
* About 1,000 fewer prisoners will be released early after an intervention by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, as reported by The Guardian.
* The government's revised plans will see 5,000 prisoners released over 10 months, down from 6,000 under the original scheme, according to justice secretary Alex Norris, speaking to Sky News.