24 August 2020

Dorset Police Federation fully support #HarpersLaw campaign

Dorset Police Federation says it fully supports a new campaign which could see criminals convicted of killing emergency service workers spend the rest of their lives in jail.

The ‘Harper’s Law’ campaign has been launched by Lissie Harper - her Thames Valley police officer husband Andrew was killed on duty in August last year.

The perpetrators Henry Long, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were convicted of manslaughter but cleared of murder.

Long was jailed for 16 years and Bowers and Cole for 13 years.

The Attorney General is currently reviewing their sentences to see if they were too lenient.

Dorset Police Federation Chair Anna Harvey said Lissie had her full backing.

“I completely support the campaign,” she said.

“Criminals who take the life of an officer should expect to spend the rest of their days in custody. “This would send a strong message to individuals who attack our colleagues every day.

“Additionally, it would also show officers, who risk their lives to protect the public that the government are serious about supporting them,” she said.

Lissie is being fully supported by the Police Federation of England and Wales, Andrew’s father Phil, Step Mum Karen, his brother Sean and sister Aimee, in her quest.

She has vowed fight for the law change in her husband Andrew’s memory.

She’s already met her local Conservative MP John Howell and is hoping to see Home Secretary Priti Patel to discuss the issue.

Lissie said: “Our justice system is broken. And we need Harper’s Law to help fix it. I have witnessed first-hand the lenient and insufficient way in which the justice system deals with criminals who take the lives of our emergency workers.

“Sadly nothing I do will bring Andrew back – but I know he would be proud of me for seeking to bring about a law change, which will hopefully act as a deterrent to anyone considering doing to one of his fellow emergency service workers the terrible thing that happened to him.

“Harper’s Law will ensure those that commit these offences aren’t out again on the streets in a matter of weeks while the families of the victims suffer their own life sentences. That would be far more just.”