The Court of Appeal has today upheld the original sentences for the killers of Thames Valley Police Constable Andrew Harper. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had appealed the sentences handed out to Henry Long, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole as unduly lenient. Both Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole also appealed against their convictions and the length of their sentences.
Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: "Today is yet another difficult and emotional day for PC Harper’s family, friends and colleagues across Thames Valley Police. Many will be understandably disappointed that the sentences for Andrew’s killers were not extended. Nevertheless, their own appeals were also rejected and so the legal challenges against their conviction have now come to an end. They will serve their sentences.”
The driver of the vehicle Henry Long received a total of 16 years on the charge of manslaughter and collectively the three men received sentences of 42 years.
Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, added: “The horrific crimes of these men shocked people across the country, but the greatest tragedy is of course felt by Andrew’s family. Our thoughts are with them on this difficult day and whilst this represents the end of the legal battle of the sentencing in this case, I know that Lissie Harper will continue to campaign for Harper’s Law to seek life sentences for anyone found guilty of causing the death of emergency workers.”
