Debbie Adlam, mother of PC Andrew Harper, says the family was "blindsided" by plans in the Sentencing Act that could allow two of the teenagers convicted in her son's 2019 death to be released after six years. The Act, scheduled for September, aims to address chronic prison overcrowding but contains no blanket exemptions for serious offences. Ministers, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, say they will review the policy and set out decisions soon, while victims' groups warn that promised support measures for victims are not yet ready.
‘Every Victim Will Feel The Same’: PC Andrew Harper’s Mother Condemns Sentencing Act As It Could Free Two Convicted In His Death
Police officer Andrew Harper suffered fatal injuries while on duty in 2019 [PA Media]
Debbie Adlam, the mother of PC Andrew Harper, has said her family was "blindsided" by plans that could see two of the teenagers convicted over her son's 2019 death released early under the government's Sentencing Act.
PC Andrew Harper, 28, died after being dragged by a car along a country lane in Berkshire while three teenagers fled the scene of a quad-bike theft. Two of those involved, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were 17 at the time and were each jailed for 13 years for manslaughter. Under provisions in the Sentencing Act due to take effect in September, they could be eligible for release after six years. The driver, Henry Long, then 18, received a 16-year sentence and would not qualify for the same early-release provision.
Family Reaction And Calls For Justice
Adlam told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme that the possible release of Cole and Bowers had been "sprung" on her family. "It just feels like another let down for Andrew really, when you look at the horrific way he was killed," she said. "The feeling that Andrew hasn't been given proper justice... every victim will be feeling the same."
"Every victim will be feeling the same." — Debbie Adlam
Political and Administrative Context
The Sentencing Act is the government's proposed long-term response to chronic prison overcrowding following an emergency early-release scheme introduced by the previous administration in 2024. Tens of thousands of inmates were released early under those emergency measures. Unlike the 2024 plan, the new act contains no explicit exemptions for people convicted of serious offences, domestic abuse or terrorism.
As the September deadline approaches, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would "look at" the legislation in detail before any further steps, reopening debate over the policy. Two prison staffers told the BBC governors had been instructed to pause implementation work two weeks ago, though ministers say no formal decision to delay has been taken.
PC Harper's mother Debbie Adlam says the justice system has been "lacking" [BBC]
Victims' Support And Concerns
Victims' groups and campaigners have warned that promised mitigation measures are not yet in place. Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs said key elements — including improved communication pathways with probation services and a dedicated helpline to support victims when they receive release notifications — have not been established ahead of the Act's planned start.
Emma Reynolds, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, told the BBC that ministers will set out the next steps in the coming weeks and reminded listeners that the government inherited a prison estate with severe capacity shortfalls in 2024.
Other Victims' Cases Highlight Stakes
Separately, a woman using the pseudonym Katy told BBC Newsnight she had been raped and abused from age 11 and had received a letter indicating her attacker could be released early under the new rules. The offender was jailed for 18 years in 2019. Katy appealed directly to the prime minister, saying: "Child abusers, sex offenders should not be being released early... we need your support to stop this."
Crime Trends And Wider Debate
The policy discussion comes against a backdrop of falling violent crime in England and Wales: the Office for National Statistics reported homicides fell 7% to their lowest level in more than 20 years in the 12 months to March 2026, driven in part by a 14% drop in knife and sharp-instrument homicides. Estimated incidents of violence for people aged 16 and over were 989,000 in the year to March 2026 — down 33% from a decade earlier. The ONS also noted increases in some areas, including fraud and anti-social behaviour.
What Happens Next?
Ministers say a final position will be announced in the coming weeks as they weigh prison capacity pressures, the need for sustainable reform, and victims' rights. Campaigners say any rollout should be paused until victim support measures — communications, risk management and a helpline — are in place.
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