PM Vows to Prevent Early Release of Boy's Killer

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will "push the system as hard as I can" to help a mother fighting to keep the man responsible for her son's death behind bars. Speaking in Newcastle on Wednesday, Burnham addressed the case of Archie York, a seven-year-old who died in an explosion at an illegal cannabis factory operating in the flat beneath his family home in Benwell in 2024.

Drug dealer Reece Galbraith was sentenced to 14 years in prison after admitting manslaughter. However, Archie's mother, Katherine Errington, was recently told that changes under the Sentencing Act could allow Galbraith to be released after serving only half of his sentence, instead of the original two-thirds.

Burnham, who is also the Prime Minister, acknowledged the community's feelings about the case, saying: "I know this part of Newcastle well, and I know the feeling that there is here about what happened to Archie and the support that Katherine and her family have."

He added: "This is the reason why when I came into office I paused what I inherited, because I wasn't happy with it. Everything possible should be done to prevent the release of people who have been involved in killings like this."

These remarks were made during a visit to the homelessness charity Changing Lives in Elswick, a few minutes' drive from the scene of the explosion.

Mother's Campaign and Petition

Katherine Errington has been leading a campaign, supported by ChronicleLive, urging ministers to prevent Galbraith and any other criminals responsible for the death of a child from becoming eligible for early release. She has launched a petition calling for the exclusion of those convicted of manslaughter or serious child abuse/neglect from early release eligibility. The petition has gained significant support, with more than 4,000 signatures.

Errington also highlighted the case of Dana Carr, the mother of murdered County Durham toddler Maya Chappell, who was jailed for nine years for child cruelty by neglect and allowing the death of a child. The petition calls for Carr to be blocked from early release as well.

In response to Burnham's comments, Errington expressed cautious optimism, saying: "I have hope, but I am not going to be jumping for joy until we know for definite."

Government Response and Broader Context

Burnham's pledge comes after he ordered a pause on early release plans when he entered Downing Street, and he later announced that rapists, child sex offenders, and grooming gang offences would be ineligible for early release. He has instructed Justice Secretary Alex Norris to present a revised plan to Parliament next week, aiming to create more headroom within the prison system.

The issue has also drawn attention to the case of PC Andrew Harper, who was fatally injured in 2019 when he was caught in a strap attached to a car and dragged down a country road in Berkshire. Two of his three killers, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, are set to be released halfway through their 13-year manslaughter sentences next year, prompting criticism from Harper's family and pressure on ministers.

Burnham, responding to these concerns, has vowed to prevent the release of "people involved in killings like this" altogether.