Matthew Barber calls for the Government to take emergency action over potential early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers

“The killers of Andrew Harper should remain in prison and should not be released early.” That is the simple message from Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber.

Responding to the article on the front page of today’s Daily Telegraph, Matthew Barber has hit back at the Government for the appalling consequences of the recent Sentencing Act. “The public and police officers alike will join Andrew’s family in their outrage that two of the men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper are set to be released early.”

Matthew Barber has written to the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor urging the Government to consider emergency legislation to prevent the early release of two of the men responsible for the killing of PC Andrew Harper under the Sentencing Act 2026.

Matthew said: "The prospect that Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole could be released early will be deeply upsetting for Andrew’s loved ones and will raise serious questions about public confidence in our justice system.

“This appalling case highlights the broader problems with the Sentencing Act 2026. Blanket early release measures for large sections of the prison population mean that many criminals will simply never face proper punishment.  This risks undermining the faith in the criminal justice system.  

“The Government must act.  I urge the Prime Minister to seize this opportunity for emergency legislation to ensure justice for Andrew and to reduce the worst effects of the Sentencing Act on the rest of the criminal justice system.

“The prospect of Andrew Harper’s killers being released early is deeply troubling. The public rightly expect serious offenders to serve sentences that reflect the gravity of their crimes.”