Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to review the policy on early prisoner release following concerns raised by the family of police officer Andrew Harper. Harper’s mother expressed distress over the possibility that two men convicted in connection with her son’s death may be eligible for early release under the scheme.

Andrew Harper, 28, died in August 2019 after sustaining fatal injuries while responding to a theft involving a quad bike in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. He was caught in a strap attached to a vehicle and dragged along a country road as three teenagers fled the scene. The driver of the car, Henry Long, was sentenced to 16 years and is not expected to benefit from early release. However, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 17 at the time of the incident, were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 and sentenced to 13 years in custody. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that under current guidelines, these two may be eligible for release halfway through their sentences.

Burnham acknowledged the gravity of the crime and the impact on Harper's family, describing the situation as "appalling." While he did not commit to completely changing the policy, he stated that he would conduct a detailed review before moving forward. He also noted he has been in discussion with the new Justice Secretary to reassess the policy framework.

The early release policy in question will be implemented under the Sentencing Act, set to come into force in September. It is projected to result in the release of approximately 6,000 offenders. The government has yet to clarify whether individuals convicted of serious offenses such as murder, rape, or child sexual abuse will be excluded from the scheme. Burnham highlighted ongoing pressures on prison capacity due to underinvestment, calling the current situation “unacceptable.” He expressed a commitment to ensure a thorough review of the policy before proceeding.

Debbie Adlam, Harper’s mother, said she received official notification indicating that Cole and Bowers could be freed early. She described the prospect as "a slap in the face and an insult" and said it made her feel ill. The family’s reaction underscores the ongoing public debate surrounding prisoner release policies and the balance between prison overcrowding and justice for victims' families.