What Andy Burnham Could Do to Keep the Killers of Pc Andrew Harper Behind Bars

The recent outcry over the potential early release of Pc Andrew Harper’s killers has highlighted a long-standing issue that threatens to undermine public trust in the justice system. As the Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, takes up the challenge to prevent this injustice from unfolding, it is crucial that he and Andy Burnham’s government grasp the opportunity to rectify a systemic problem.

The Sentencing Act, passed by Sir Keir Starmer’s government, aimed to ease overcrowding in prisons by allowing criminals serving less than four years to be released after serving a third of their sentence. However, this measure has had an unforeseen consequence: it puts at risk the safety of the public and undermines the principle of justice being served.

The killer of Pc Harper, Henry Long, received an extended sentence, but his accomplices, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, would have been eligible for release after serving only two-thirds of their 13-year sentences. This anomaly is a symptom of a deeper issue – the lack of clear guidelines and consistent application of sentencing laws.

The Sentencing Act’s changes have created confusion among those responsible for implementing them. As a result, prisoners serving sentences for serious crimes, including manslaughter, are being put at risk of premature release. It requires a fundamental overhaul to address this problem.

Andy Burnham has taken a step in the right direction by ordering a review and pushing back the date when early releases would begin. However, more needs to be done to prevent Pc Harper’s killers from walking free too soon. One potential solution is to exempt all offenders convicted of manslaughter or those serving sentences of 10 years or more from the early release provisions.

This would ensure that justice is served and provide a sense of closure for the families affected. The government must also explore ways to increase prison capacity without compromising on public safety. Releasing more female prisoners, who make up approximately 70% of the women in custody, and repurposing their prisons to hold male offenders could potentially free up thousands of cells.

Another issue that needs attention is indeterminate sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPP), which were scrapped in 2012 but still affect over 2,000 prisoners. A complex resentencing exercise would be required to reduce the IPP prison population, but it is a necessary step towards rectifying this long-running injustice.

As Alex Norris takes on the challenge of preventing Pc Harper’s killers from being released too soon, he must consider the broader implications of his decisions. The public’s trust in the justice system hangs in the balance, and any failure to act decisively will only exacerbate the problem. This is a moment for the government to demonstrate its commitment to justice and protect the public from those who would seek to harm them.

Ultimately, it is not just about preventing the early release of Pc Harper’s killers; it is about restoring faith in the justice system as a whole. Andy Burnham’s government has a chance to correct a grave injustice and ensure that justice is served.