Dyfed-Powys Police Federation has changed its social media profile picture to an image of PC Andrew Harper, in a show of solidarity with his family after news that two of the men convicted of his manslaughter could be released early from prison.
PC Harper, who was 28, died after getting caught in a strap and dragged for more than a mile behind a car when he tried to stop a group towing away a stolen quad bike in Berkshire in August 2019.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the car and both 17 at the time, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter following a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020.
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed both might be eligible for release halfway through their sentences under the new Sentencing Act — legislation coming into force in September that is expected to see around 6,000 prisoners released early to ease overcrowding.
The driver, Henry Long, who received a 16-year sentence, is not eligible — and Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Long “will not be subject to any early release”.
The federation branch, which represents rank-and-file officers across the Dyfed-Powys Police force area, will keep the tribute picture in place for the next 72 hours.
Branch chair Delme Rees said there was “considerable strength of feeling among officers” over the news.
“PC Harper made the ultimate sacrifice and many officers will find it difficult to understand how those responsible for his death can benefit from early release,” he said.
He said the branch had long backed national calls for stronger protections for police officers, and for violent offenders who target them to be excluded from early release schemes.
“It is now time for the Government to show that its support for police officer safety is about more than just words,” he said.
“Changing our social media profile picture for the next 72 hours is a small gesture of solidarity with PC Harper’s family, friends and those who served alongside him.
“Our thoughts remain with them. We want them to know they are not alone and that the policing family continues to stand with them.”
The Police Federation of England and Wales says it has repeatedly raised concerns with the Government about violent offenders who target police officers being included in early release schemes.
PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, campaigned in his memory for Harper’s Law, which introduced mandatory life sentences for those who kill emergency workers in the course of a crime — though the change was not retrospective and did not apply to his case.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “This was a horrific crime, and our deepest sympathies are with PC Andrew Harper’s family and friends.” The Government has said the early release measures are needed to free up prison places.
Discover more from Swansea Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
