PC Andrew Harper’s Killers Sentences Stand Despite Appeal
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the sentences handed down to the killers of heroic PC Andrew Harper will remain unchanged. The trio’s challenges have been firmly dismissed.
Sentences: 16 and 13 Years Behind Bars
- Henry Long, 19, sentenced to 16 years
- Jessie Cole, 18, sentenced to 13 years
- Albert Bowers, 18, sentenced to 13 years
All three were convicted of manslaughter over the tragic death of the respected Roads Policing Officer. Their sentences were reduced due to age and guilty pleas, but none admitted to murder.
The Horror of That Deadly Chase
PC Harper was brutally dragged to death while trying to stop the thieves who had stolen a quad bike. Alongside PC Andrew Shaw, he responded to a 999 call about intruders. On the way back after extensive overtime, they spotted the thieves fleeing, towing the new quad on a Seat Leon driven by Long.
PC Harper bravely gave chase on foot after Jessie Cole on the quad bike. But Cole jumped into the getaway car, dragging PC Harper by his foot entangled in the tow strap. The killers sped off at an average 42.5mph over 1.4 miles, swinging PC Harper like a pendulum. Despite PC Shaw’s desperate efforts, PC Harper lost his life in this savage attack.
Justice Denied? Attorney General Calls Sentences ‘Unduly Lenient’
Attorney General Suella Braverman slammed the punishments as too soft. During the trial, the killers even laughed and joked, prompting one juror to be dismissed for inappropriate conduct towards them.
But Dame Victoria Sharp confirmed the court’s refusal to change the manslaughter sentences, though sentences for conspiracy to steal were slightly reduced for Cole and Bowers due to their ages.
“All three offenders remain convicted of the manslaughter of PC Harper and the overall length of their custodial sentences remain unaltered.” – Dame Victoria Sharp
Widow Lissie Harper Speaks Out: ‘Justice Still Denied’
Lissie Harper, widow of the fallen officer, expressed heartbreak but also determination.
“Many months have passed since I sat in a cold and soulless courtroom awaiting justice for the crime that stole my husband’s life and our future. I am grateful to the Attorney General for recognising the leniency and challenging the sentences, though the outcome is disappointing. No sentence will ever compensate for Andrew’s loss. He was an incredible man who gave selflessly, and I’ll be proud to call him my husband forever. These criminals will walk free far too soon, and that is a bitter pill for us all. I will fight relentlessly for Harper’s Law – a law demanding life sentences for those who kill emergency service heroes. No emergency worker should leave for a shift and never come home, nor face injustice in their name. With public support, I will not stop until change is passed through Parliament and my husband’s sacrifice brings real justice for all our protectors.”
