Branch warns against early release scheme for killers of police officers

5 August 2026

As part of an updated Sentencing Act, the Government had previously announced the introduction of an early release scheme, designed to alleviate overcrowding in prisons across England and Wales.

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham then intervened to review the scheme, concluding that certain high-risk offenders would be excluded from it – something which Tony has backed on the principle that some individuals are too dangerous to be granted early release.

However, the branch secretary has criticised the decision not to include those convicted of killing police officers in this barred list.

This includes those responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper, who lost his life while on duty for Thames Valley Police in August 2019.

Tony said: “While it was initially encouraging to see such urgent action put in place to review the early release policy, this has now turned to disappointment with the news that those convicted of killing officers could still be eligible to benefit from it.

“It goes without saying that this hasn’t been received well within our profession and among those connected to it, and I am calling on the Government to have a rethink.

“Otherwise, it will be a serious kick in the teeth for the loved ones and colleagues of officers we have lost and miss every day.”

Grooming

Under the revised plans, prisoners convicted of rape, grooming and serious child sex offences will be barred from gaining early release.

Meanwhile, with all other offenders still eligible, around 5000 additional prisoners will be released early in 10 phases starting from this October – on top of around 4,500 who already leave prison each month.

PC Andrew Harper was 28 when he was dragged behind a car along a country road while responding to the theft of a quad bike, ultimately being killed in the incident. Three teenagers fled the scene before later being sentenced to a combined total of 42 years' imprisonment.

Now, in Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers – who were passengers in the car and each received 13-year sentences – two-thirds of this offending trio could be in line for release after serving only half of their assigned prison time.

Tony added: “Every police officer knows the risks that come with the job, but they should also expect that if the worst happens, there will be proper justice for everything that comes with their life being taken away.

“For me, that means recognising that the murder of a police officer is an attack on public service and on the rule of law itself, and should be treated accordingly.

Prison

“Not only will the families of fallen officers have gone through unimaginable pain in losing their loved one, but many will still be processing and adjusting to life without them. The last thing they should have to contend with is the possibility that those responsible for their pain may be released early from prison.

“The Government has already accepted that some offences are so serious they should fall outside of proposals. In my view, anyone convicted of killing a police officer should be included in that category, and I hope ministers will reconsider before these changes take effect.”

Tiff Lynch, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), has also voiced her concerns with planned changes to the Sentencing Act.

She argued the decision not to exclude individuals who are to blame for the death of a police officer from the early release scheme would send the ‘entirely wrong message’ about how much public servants are truly valued by the Government.

A petition has been launched to stop the early release of those responsible for PC Andrew Harper’s death, which can be signed here.