Police union vows to fight early release of slain officer’s killers

• The Police Federation is threatening legal action against the government's early prison release scheme, specifically concerning the men convicted of Pc Andrew Harper's manslaughter.
• Aileen O’Connor, chair of the Police Federation, said they would "throw everything at this" through a legal challenge, calling the government’s decision a "final betrayal" to police officers.
• Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted of Pc Harper's manslaughter in 2020 and sentenced to 13 years, are eligible for early release halfway through their terms.
• Thames Valley Chief Constable Jason Hogg is seeking legal advice and said he would "certainly consider" joining the Police Federation's legal action.
• Justice Secretary Alex Norris said that families affected by the scheme are "carrying the can" for previous government failures.

IN FULL

Government threatened with court action over early release of Pc Harper’s killers