Harper’s Law gains Government backing

24 November 2021

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris has welcomed the news that the Government has backed a campaign by PC Andrew Harper’s widow calling for those who kill emergency service workers to be given mandatory life sentences.

The Ministry of Justice announced today it aims to pass Harper’s Law in England and Wales as soon as it can.

“Lissie Harper has led a campaign demanding a change in the law to appropriately punish those who kill emergency workers following the horrific death of her husband more than two years ago,” says Darren.

“I am pleased that she has been successful, and that the Government has decided to act. This is good news for her, but also for all emergency workers and their families.”

Lissie has commented: “It’s been a long journey and a lot of hard work. I know Andrew would be proud to see Harper’s Law reach this important milestone.”

The law will introduce mandatory life sentences for anyone convicted of killing an emergency worker while committing a crime.

PC Harper was 28 when he was killed after been dragged by a getaway car in August 2019.

Teenagers Henry Long, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers each received sentences of between 13 and 19 years in prison for PC Harper’s manslaughter. An appeal by the Attorney General to increase their time behind bars was rejected.

But ministers are determined to make sure that punishments fit the severity of the crime.

The move extends mandatory life sentences to anyone who commits the manslaughter of an emergency worker on duty – including police, prison officers, firefighters and paramedics – while carrying out another crime unless there are truly exceptional circumstances.

Courts must already impose life sentences for murder, with a whole-life order being the starting point if the victim is a police officer.

John Apter, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales which has supported Lissie’s campaign, said today: “I hope the introduction of a mandatory life sentence for anyone convicted of killing a police officer, or emergency worker, will act as a strong deterrent and stop needless violence against my colleagues.

“I would like to pay a personal tribute to Lissie for her dedication in seeing this change in law become a reality - I am proud that we have been able to support her. Thanks also to all of those who have helped in making this happen.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was proud to be able to honour PC Harper’s life by introducing Harper’s Law.

“Those who seek to harm our emergency service workers represent the very worst of humanity and it is right that future killers be stripped of the freedom to walk our streets with a life sentence,” she said.