PC Harper’s Killer Faces Sentence Review in Court Drama
Suella Braverman QC slammed the sentences handed to those responsible for the death of brave PC Harper, who was killed on duty in Berkshire in August 2019. She said the officer “paid the ultimate price for his bravery.” The main culprit, Henry Long, was jailed for 16 years. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole received 13-year terms, but Mrs Braverman claims these sentences are “unduly lenient.”
Life Sentence Demanded for ‘Dangerous’ Henry Long
All three – Long, Bowers, and Cole – were cleared of murder at the Old Bailey but convicted of manslaughter. Addressing the Court of Appeal, Mrs Braverman argued Long’s 16-year sentence doesn’t reflect the seriousness of his crime. She insisted a life sentence is “the appropriate punishment” for the 19-year-old, branding him “dangerous.”
“If not in a case such as this, then when?” Mrs Braverman challenged the judges.
She also hit out at the judge for giving too much leniency to Bowers and Cole because of their age and learning difficulties. The barrister said these sentences “continue to cause widespread public concern” and dismissed them as failing justice.
How PC Harper Was Dragged to His Death
PC Harper, just 28 and newlywed, died after being dragged for more than a mile behind a getaway car driven by Long. The officer got caught in a strap at the back of the vehicle during a struggle to stop the teenagers suspected of stealing a quad bike.
The “unduly lenient sentence” (ULS) scheme allows public complaints to trigger a review by the Attorney General’s office — who can then refer the case for appeal.
Defence Pushes Back: ‘Freakish Accident,’ No Intent
Rossano Scamardella QC, defending Long, dismissed claims of leniency, calling PC Harper’s death a “freakish accident.” He argued there was no intent to cause serious harm or death. Scamardella also warned judges against being influenced by “widespread public concern.”
“There was no intentional application of force or violence,” he said.
Timothy Raggatt QC, representing Bowers, described the idea the sentences were too soft as “far-fetched in the extreme.” Meanwhile, lawyers for all three convicts are also fighting their jail terms, claiming the sentences are “manifestly excessive.”
Verdict and Sentencing Decision Pending
The trio appeared from HMP Belmarsh by video link for the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, which is expected to run all day. It remains unclear whether the judges will deliver a verdict on Monday or reserve their decision.
PC Harper, from Wallingford, Oxfordshire, was married just four weeks before his death. His family and colleagues await justice as this high-profile sentence battle unfolds.
