- Lissie Harper, widow of PC Andrew Harper, has said she is “beyond appalled” and “bristling with anger” after learning two of her husband’s killers will be allowed to be released from prison early.
- Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were jailed for 13 years in 2020 for manslaughter over his killing, and it is understood the pair will be eligible for early release under a new government scheme.
- Mrs Harper added in a statement: “The level of disrespect the government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt.”
- Justice secretary Alex Norris told Sky News: “It's not Lissie Harper's fault, and I'm sorry that she's been put into this situation as a result, I genuinely am. But this is a decision we've had to take to make sure we have a functioning prison system.”
- It comes as the prime minister has said that rapists and serious child sex offenders will be blocked from early release.
IN FULL
