A government minister has defended the possible early release of two of PC Andrew Harper's killers, as Thames Valley's chief constable says he is receiving legal advice and would consider joining a Police Federation court challenge.
Key facts
- Justice minister Jake Richards acknowledged the 'unimaginable pain' of PC Andrew Harper's family but said the government faces an 'unenviable position'.
- Thames Valley chief constable Jason Hogg said he is 'receiving legal advice' and would 'certainly consider' joining legal action.
- The Police Federation is contemplating going to court to keep Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers in prison.
- Ministers argue a sustainable prison system is vital to a functioning law and order system.
- In a separate policy, the Guardian reported that government procurement contracts account for about £90bn of taxpayers' money spent each year.
The UK government is defending the possible early release of two of the men convicted over the death of PC Andrew Harper, as pressure mounts from police and the officer’s family. Justice minister Jake Richards acknowledged the ‘unimaginable pain’ of Harper’s family but said the government faces an ‘unenviable position’ in balancing the demands of a functioning prison system against doing right by victims.
According to the Guardian, the Thames Valley chief constable, Jason Hogg, told the BBC’s Today programme on Wednesday that he is ‘receiving legal advice’ and would ‘certainly consider’ joining the Police Federation’s legal action over the possible release of Harper’s killers. ‘This is something I certainly would consider,’ Hogg said, adding that he urged the government to act.
Hogg warned that public confidence in the justice system risked being damaged. ‘I do think that the public opinion is overwhelming in this matter, but I think it’s unfair and I do believe confidence in the criminal justice system risks being damaged,’ he said. He also described a personal reaction, saying: ‘I feel sick to my stomach, if I’m really honest with you.’
The Police Federation is contemplating going to court in an attempt to keep Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers in prison, the Guardian reported. Hogg indicated he may join that legal action if the government fails to block the early release of the two men.
Richards framed the issue around the wider prison system, arguing that without a functioning system it becomes difficult for police to make arrests and for courts to try cases, and warning it could risk ‘the collapse of law and order in this country.’ He said ministers and, ultimately, the prime minister face the challenge of maintaining a sustainable prison system while also supporting victims.
Ministers acknowledged the strength of feeling around the case. ‘We understand that people are angry. The Harper family are, of course, angry. The police are angry too,’ Richards said, describing the government’s own frustration at being in the situation.
Separately, the Guardian reported that ministers will scrap the requirement for companies to prove their green and progressive values before being awarded government contracts, instead asking firms to demonstrate they will help young people back into work. Government procurement contracts account for about £90bn of taxpayers’ money each year.
Why it matters
The case touches on public confidence in the criminal justice system and how the government balances prison capacity pressures against the interests of victims and their families. A legal challenge by police bodies could set a significant precedent for how early release decisions are handled.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the killers facing possible early release?
The two men named in the reporting are Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, whose possible early release from prison has prompted the potential legal challenge.
Who might take legal action over the release?
The Police Federation is contemplating going to court to keep the two men in prison, and Thames Valley chief constable Jason Hogg said he is receiving legal advice and would consider joining that action.
How has the government justified its position?
Justice minister Jake Richards acknowledged the family's 'unimaginable pain' but said the government faces an 'unenviable position' in maintaining a sustainable prison system, which he called vital to a functioning law and order system.