Harper’s Law wins Government support
24 November 2021
A new law is to be created to ensure those who kill an emergency worker in the course of their duties face a mandatory life sentence, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed today.
The news follows a campaign by Lissie Harper, widow of PC Andrew Harper of Thames Valley Police who was killed in August 2019 and has been welcomed by West Mercia Police Federation chair Sarah Cooper.
“I am so pleased to see that Lissie Harper has been successful in this campaign,” says Sarah, “PC Harper’s death was utterly horrific and the impact of devastating incidents such as this have an effect on the entire policing family.
“Hopefully, this new law will not only suitably punish those who kill police officers and our emergency service colleagues but also serve as a deterrent to others and offer some feeling of justice to those who are left behind when their loved ones are unlawfully killed in the execution of their duty.”
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. The Attorney General’s appeal for longer sentences was turned down.
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.
