Two of the individuals convicted in the 2019 killing of PC Andrew Harper are set to be excluded from a new early release scheme under upcoming changes to the law, while other offenders, including domestic abusers, may still be eligible for early parole.

Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who were both under 18 at the time of the incident and jailed for 13 years each, are expected to be barred from early release following a legislative amendment targeting certain types of manslaughter convictions. The law, which comes into effect on October 1, will specifically exempt those convicted of “unlawful act” manslaughter from eligibility for the early release provisions under the Sentencing Act.

PC Harper died after being dragged by a car during a police chase in 2019. Bowers and Cole were passengers in the vehicle involved. Henry Long, the driver and principal offender in the case, is serving a 16-year sentence and is already ineligible for early release.

The upcoming changes follow concerns raised about the potential release of offenders involved in serious crimes. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had previously vowed to take "everything possible" to prevent Bowers and Cole from benefitting from early release after the introduction of the new law aimed at reducing prison overcrowding.

The Sentencing Act is expected to lead to the early release of around 5,000 inmates, a reduction from an earlier estimate of 6,000. However, campaigners have expressed alarm that domestic abusers could still qualify for early release despite the seriousness of their offences.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ordered a comprehensive review of the early release scheme, with findings to be published next month by Justice Secretary Alex Norris. A government spokeswoman said the Prime Minister is actively exploring options to ensure that a greater number of the most serious offenders remain incarcerated, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance prison population pressures with public safety concerns.