Suella Braverman Slams Lenient Sentences Over PC Harper’s Death
Suella Braverman QC has blasted the court over the “unduly lenient” sentences handed to the teens behind the tragic death of PC Harper. The brave officer paid the “ultimate price” when he was killed on duty in Berkshire in August 2019.
Man Jailed 16 Years, Accomplices Get 13
Henry Long, 19, who drove the getaway car, was sentenced to 16 years. His accomplices, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, each got 13 years. All three were cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter after a trial at the Old Bailey.
Attorney General Demands Tougher Sentencing
“A life sentence was the appropriate sentence for the first offender, who was and remains dangerous… if not in a case such as this, then when?” said Mrs Braverman, speaking to the Court of Appeal.
Braverman argued Long’s sentence does not reflect the gravity of the crime and criticised the judge for giving too much leniency to Bowers and Cole over their age and learning difficulties.
PC Harper’s Heroic Death
PC Harper, just 28, died after being dragged for over a mile when he got caught in a strap attached to the getaway car Long was driving. He was trying to stop the teens suspected of stealing a quad bike.
Harper had only been married a month to his wife Lissie when he lost his life in the line of duty.
Defence Argues Fatal Incident Was An Accident
Long’s lawyer, Rossano Scamardella QC, called the incident “a freakish accident” with no intent to cause serious harm or death. He warned that public anger should not influence the legal decision.
Meanwhile, lawyers for all three offenders say their jail terms are “manifestly excessive” and are themselves appealing.
Public Outcry Sparks Appeal Review
The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme lets the public ask for a review if they feel sentencing is too light – only one complaint is needed for the Attorney General’s office to consider referring a case to the Court of Appeal.
The hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice is expected to last all day, with a ruling due either Monday or at a later date.
