Stuart Blaik Condemns Potential Early Release of PC Andrew Harper Killers

The officer who led the original Thames Valley Police investigation into the death of PC Andrew Harper has spoken out against the prospect of early release for two of the men convicted in the case. Former Detective Superintendent Stuart Blaik released a statement giving his views publicly for the first time since leaving the force in 2023.

Stuart Blaik and Thames Valley Police Condemn Potential Early Release

Mr. Blaik stated that like many people across the country he was deeply concerned and appalled by the possibility that Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole could be freed from custody early. He emphasized that because the death of Andrew was such a serious and tragic case, the individuals involved should not be afforded the opportunity to leave prison ahead of schedule. The former detective noted that neither of them showed any remorse during their time in police custody or during their subsequent trial.

Stuart Blaik, former Detective Superintendent, stated that he hoped the Government would take account of the strength of public feeling on this issue, which had been both clear and widespread.

Lissie Harper Criticizes Politicians Over the Sentencing Act

PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, who earned an MBE for campaigning to secure tougher sentences in her late husband’s memory, launched a scathing critique of the government. She argued that politicians were making decisions from behind a desk with lasting consequences for victims’ families.

PC Andrew Harper’s Killers Eligible for Early Release Under Revised Plans

Lissie Harper, widow of PC Andrew Harper, stated that it had taken her years to rebuild a life that was torn apart in a matter of moments, and years to pick up the pieces left behind by three men whose actions robbed Andrew of his life and stole their future. She added that once again, politicians were making decisions from behind a desk that would have real and lasting consequences for victims’ families like hers.

Mrs. Harper noted that while she received cross-party support when fighting for Harper’s Law—which ensures tougher sentences for those who kill emergency workers—today that commitment feels forgotten. Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police Jason Hogg also stated that releasing the killers early feels wrong.

Andy Burnham Announces Review Amid Prison Overcrowding Pressures

Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced mounting political fallout over the Sentencing Act policy, which was designed to ease long-standing overcrowding across the prison estate.

Andy Burnham, Prime Minister, stated that he could not say he could change the policy completely, but that he would look at it in detail before they went further forward.

The prime minister acknowledged that past failures to invest in the prison system created an unacceptable situation, noting that pressure on prisons places forced difficult policy choices. He confirmed that while the main perpetrator will remain imprisoned, officials looked into potential releases for others involved.

Sir Mark Rowley Warns Justice System is in Dangerous Place Over Early Release

Case Details and Early Release Eligibility Under Government Plans

PC Andrew Harper died on August 15, 2019, near Sulhamstead in Berkshire. The 28-year-old officer was dragged along a winding country road after getting caught in a towrope attached to a fleeing vehicle as he attempted to stop a quad bike theft just before the end of his shift.

In 2020, the Old Bailey sentenced the driver, Henry Long, to 16 years in prison for manslaughter. Passengers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were both 17 years old at the time of the offense, received 13-year sentences. Under the current rules of the early release scheme, Long is excluded from automatic early release, while Cole and Bowers could be eligible for release after serving half of their sentences rather than two-thirds.