‘Not possible’ to block PC Andrew Harper’s killers from early release, No 10 says

• Downing Street has confirmed it cannot prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers under the government's prison overcrowding scheme.
• Prime Minister Andy Burnham reviewed the policy following public outcry, but No 10 said it is “not possible” to carve out individual manslaughter cases.
• Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, sentenced to 13 years in 2020 for PC Harper's manslaughter, remain eligible for early release in October.
• PC Harper's widow, Lissie Harper, described the scheme as “deplorable”, while a petition opposing their release has gathered over 880,000 signatures.
• About 5,000 offenders are expected to be released early under the emergency measures to prevent the prison system from collapsing.

IN FULL

Downing Street admits it can’t stop PC Andrew Harper’s killers from being released from prison early