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Thames Valley Police Marks Seventh Anniversary of Andrew Harper’s Death as Petition Surpasses One Million Signatures
Chief constables say the men were sentenced before Harper’s Law and could be freed under a prison overcrowding scheme, prompting calls for intervention.
On Tuesday, August 11, Chief Constables across the United Kingdom sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to prevent the early release of Henry Long, Albert Bowers, and Jessie Cole.
Cole and Bowers, serving 13-year sentences for the 2019 manslaughter of Police Constable Andrew Harper, are eligible for early release under a government scheme addressing prison overcrowding.
A petition started by Thames Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O'Connor to block the release has attracted more than 1,046,000 signatures, reflecting strong public opposition to the potential decision.
Mrs. Harper described the potential early release as "a gut punch," while Thames Valley Police officers marked the seventh anniversary of the officer's death with a remembrance service last Friday.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg noted the campaign has become a discussion about "justice, public confidence" and society's recognition of emergency workers who "put themselves in harm's way.