The family of fallen police officer PC Andrew Harper is speaking out against the recent proposal to introduce a scheme allowing early release for prisoners, including those convicted of violent crimes.
PC Harper's widow, Lissie Harper, has spoken out about the impact of her husband's death on her family, saying it has taken her years to rebuild a life torn apart in a matter of moments.
She expressed her disappointment and frustration with the prospect of her husband's killers being released early, stating that it is deplorable to consider releasing prisoners who have committed serious crimes.
Earlier, PC Harper's mother described the prospect of her son's killers being released as an 'insult', saying it makes her feel sick and that people are 'getting a free pass for crime'.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has considered excluding rapists and child groomers from the policy, but changes would require a fresh law. The Police Federation for England and Wales has also criticised the prospect of early release as 'disgusting'.
Following his death, PC Harper's widow campaigned for harsher sentences for the manslaughter of emergency workers on duty. Harper's Law introduced mandatory life sentences for anyone who commits the manslaughter of an emergency worker on duty.
The government has stated that it is committed to public safety and is taking steps to lock up the most dangerous offenders, including building prison places at the fastest rate since the Victorian era.
The scheme is set to begin in September, allowing more than 5,000 offenders to be released over the following 10 months to free up prison space.
Some serious offenders will be released after serving half their jail time, while those convicted of less serious offences could be freed after serving just a third of their sentence.
Deputy national chair of the Police Federation for England and Wales, Brian Booth, said police officers from across the country will be 'utterly sickened' at the prospect of Bowers and Cole being back on the streets so soon.
