Early Release Scheme Debated
PM Burnham modifies early release scheme, but Pc Harper's killers still qualify, drawing criticism from his mother
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PC Andrew Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, says her family 'will pay the price' for the government's new early release scheme. Andover Advertiser reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced rape, serious child sexual offences, and grooming gang crimes will be excluded from the plan to ease prison overcrowding. But two of her son's killers — Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers — still qualify for early release after serving just half their sentences.
PC Harper was killed in 2019 while responding to a call in Berkshire. He was dragged under a getaway car by thieves and died at the scene. Cole and Bowers were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years each. Their early release would put them back on the streets years ahead of schedule, according to Surrey Comet.
Debbie Adlam Feels 'Let Down' by the Government
Debbie Adlam spoke out strongly against the scheme. She said she felt let down and that her family would bear the consequences of a policy she believes does not go far enough. Harrow Times reported her saying the family 'will pay the price' for the decision. Her son's killers were not convicted of murder, which means they fall outside the categories excluded from early release.
Cole and Bowers received 13-year manslaughter sentences. Under the new scheme, they could be freed after serving just half — roughly six and a half years. For Adlam, that outcome is deeply unjust. She has campaigned since her son's death to keep his killers behind bars for as long as possible.
What the Early Release Scheme Actually Covers
The government designed the scheme to tackle a serious prison overcrowding crisis in England and Wales. Under the plan, many prisoners can be released after serving 50% of their sentence instead of the usual 66%. The excluded offences include rape, serious child sexual abuse, and grooming. Violent crimes like manslaughter are not on the exclusion list, according to Cotswold Journal.
The Prime Minister also announced new measures to manage freed offenders in the community. These include stricter supervision conditions and GPS monitoring for rapists to restrict their movements. The government says these steps will keep the public safe while relieving pressure on an overstretched prison system.
The Harper Case That Changed Public Debate on Sentencing
PC Harper's death sparked national outrage and a major public campaign. His widow, Lissie Harper, fought for 'Harper's Law' — a rule requiring mandatory life sentences for anyone who kills an emergency worker. That law passed in 2021. But it only applies to murder convictions, not manslaughter, which is why Cole and Bowers were sentenced to 13 years, not life, according to Andover Advertiser.
The case remains a flashpoint in debates about justice for those who kill police officers. Critics argue the manslaughter verdict and now the early release scheme show the system is failing the families of victims. Adlam's renewed campaign puts pressure on ministers to widen the scheme's exclusions before it takes effect.
Opposition Grows Over Who Is Left Out of Exclusion List
The government's decision to exclude sex offences but not violent killers has drawn sharp criticism beyond just the Harper family. Many argue the dividing line is arbitrary and unfair. If you kill a police officer and are convicted of manslaughter, the new rules mean you could walk free years early, North Wales Chronicle reported.
Campaigners are now calling on ministers to extend the exclusion list to cover those convicted of killing emergency workers. Whether the government will respond to that pressure remains unclear. For Debbie Adlam and her family, every day Cole and Bowers are free will feel like a failure of justice.
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