Chris Bushnell, a former colleague of PC Andrew Harper, expresses his outrage and grief over the possibility of Harper's killers being released early.
In a heartfelt statement, former police officer Chris Bushnell has accused the government of disrespecting law enforcement by considering the early release of the men convicted in the death of PC Andrew Harper. Bushnell, who was on duty the night of the tragic incident, shared his profound emotions and concerns as a petition to keep the killers incarcerated surpassed 880,000 signatures.
The case, which shocked the nation, involved three teenagers who were fleeing the scene of a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. PC Harper, a newlywed of 28, was tragically caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and dragged down a country road.
The incident left the community and the police force in mourning.
The Emotional Toll on First Responders
Bushnell, who was serving in the West Berkshire dog unit at the time, recounted the harrowing moment he witnessed his colleague’s body being dragged behind the suspects’ vehicle.
The guilt and trauma of that night have left an indelible mark on him. “I will never get over it. The guilt. That feeling of ‘what if?’” he confessed in a statement issued by the Thames Valley Police Federation.
The emotional impact of the incident has been profound. Bushnell visits the scene each year to pay tribute and has received counseling and support from the Police Federation. The prospect of the killers being released early has reignited the pain and anger he felt immediately after the tragedy. “This news about the sentencing – and the offenders being released early – has brought it all back again,” he stated.
The Legal Complexities and Public Outcry
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were convicted of manslaughter in 2026 and sentenced to 13-year terms. Under current early release plans, they remain eligible to be freed in January, halfway through their sentences. The government’s decision has sparked widespread outrage, with over 880,000 people signing a petition to keep the killers behind bars.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked his Justice Secretary to explore further options to prevent the early release of the killers. However, Downing Street has stated that it is “not possible” to exempt “one or two offenders” convicted of manslaughter from early release due to prison capacity concerns. The government has already exempted those serving sentences for rape, serious child sexual offenses, and grooming from the early release scheme.
The driver of the vehicle, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and would not be eligible for early release. The government’s stance has been met with criticism from police leaders and the public, who argue that the killers should serve their full sentences.
The Broader Implications
Chief Constable Simon Chesterman has expressed his solidarity with PC Harper’s family and colleagues, emphasizing the importance of respecting the pain they carry. “Police officers serve to protect the public, they demonstrate incredible levels of bravery and commitment on a daily basis,” he stated. “To attack the police, without just consequence, is an attack on us all.”
The potential early release of Cole and Bowers has also raised concerns about the morale of police officers and public confidence in the justice system. Chief Constable Jason Hogg of Thames Valley Police has indicated that he would consider joining legal action against the government if it fails to block the early release. “I was contacted by the Police Federation yesterday who informed me they are seeking legal advice, exploring opportunities for a judicial review against the government,” he told the Guardian.
The government’s decision has been criticized for potentially releasing individuals who pose a risk to the public. Hogg emphasized the need for greater investment in rehabilitation and the management of freed offenders in the community. “I think there needs to be a balance between the risk caused [by] prisons being full, but also the risk of releasing people early who still pose a risk to the public,” he said.
The case of PC Andrew Harper has highlighted the emotional and legal complexities surrounding the early release of offenders. As the public and police community continue to express their outrage, the government faces increasing pressure to reconsider its stance and ensure that justice is served.
