The chief constable of Thames Valley Police has publicly challenged provisions in the new Sentencing Act after reports suggested two men convicted in the death of PC Andrew Harper might become eligible for early release.
Senior officer raises concerns with government
Chief Constable Jason Hogg said it "feels wrong" that the pair could be released early, and has written to the Prime Minister outlining his objections. The statement follows coverage that the legislation could alter how custodial terms are calculated for those convicted in cases such as the 2019 death of PC Harper.
PC Andrew Harper was killed on 15 August 2019 while attending a report of a stolen quad bike in Berkshire. Two men, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 in connection with his death.
“The tragedy of Andrew Harper’s death has had a lasting impact, both within Thames Valley Police and across policing and our communities nationally,” Mr Hogg said.
Mr Hogg emphasised the change in the legal landscape since the original trial. He noted that the introduction of "Harper's Law" created mandatory life sentences for anyone convicted of the manslaughter of an emergency worker occurring in the course of another crime, and argued that if the case were tried under that law today the verdict and sentence would be very different.
What officials say and what is at stake
- Chief Constable Jason Hogg has expressed that early release in this situation would be inappropriate and has communicated his concerns to the Prime Minister.
- Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were convicted of manslaughter in 2020; the original incident occurred on 15 August 2019.
- Harper’s Law now mandates life sentences for manslaughter of emergency workers in specified circumstances, a law introduced after PC Harper’s death.
The chief constable said the case remains a "real and constant reminder" of the risks police officers take when responding to incidents. He framed his intervention as not only an expression of local feeling but as a matter of principle about how the justice system treats crimes against emergency personnel.
Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Death of PC Andrew Harper | 15 August 2019 |
| Conviction of Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole (manslaughter) | 2020 |
| Chief Constable raises concerns with Prime Minister | July 2026 |
The comments come amid wider debate about sentencing reform and how retrospective or prospective changes to sentencing calculations should interact with high-profile historic convictions. Thames Valley Police’s intervention will contribute to discussions in Downing Street and in Parliament as officials and stakeholders consider the practical and moral implications raised by the chief constable.
Locally, the matter is likely to resonate across the communities Thames Valley serves, including Wokingham and surrounding towns, where officers and residents alike have been reminded of the vulnerability of emergency workers in the course of their duties.
InfoRadar will continue to monitor responses from the Home Office and the Prime Minister’s office, and report any developments relating to the Sentencing Act and official correspondence from Thames Valley Police.
