PC Harper widow ‘will not give up’ opposing early releases

Cole and Bowers were each sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020, and will become eligible for release after serving half of their sentences.

The driver of the vehicle, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and will not be eligible.

On Monday, the government announced revised plans that would exclude prisoners who had committed rape, grooming, and serious child sex offences from an early release scheme for England and Wales.

But people guilty of manslaughter are still eligible for earlier release.

O’Connor told the BBC the news was “having a huge impact on morale”.

She added: “Lissie Harper, [PC Harper’s] parents, his brother, his family, his close friends – they are serving the life sentence of not having Andrew Harper here today fulfilling his best potential for his life.”