PC Andrew Harper’s widow has accused Andy Burnham of a “betrayal” after he failed to exclude her husband’s killers from his early release reforms.
Mr Burnham last night confirmed grooming gang rapists would not be let out of jail before their sentences expire.
The Sentencing Act was amended in January, with eligibility for early release based on the length of an offender’s fixed sentence, rather than the type of offence.
The Act had already excluded some of the most dangerous offenders, such as murderers serving life sentences, from the scheme.
But Mr Burnham confirmed on Monday that rape and child sexual offences will now also be excluded.
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Now, Lissie Harper has branded the move “disgusting”.
Her husband died in Berkshire in 2019 after being dragged along the road by three teenage quad bike thieves.
In a statement late last night, she said: “This is disgusting. I am beyond appalled and bristling with anger to hear that Andrew’s killers are soon to be free to roam the streets.
“What abhorrent message does this send? How dare ministers say the killing of a police officer is not enough of a ‘sickening crime’ that deserves the stiffest of punishments.
“The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt.
“The killers of Andrew have shown no remorse… they robbed us of our future. They are vile criminals, and they should remain in jail.
“To release them early from their already pitiful sentences is an affront to justice.
“The Government and the justice system have not just let me down… they have added insult to injury. They are meant to be on our side.
“This is an utter betrayal – and it’s one I will not be able to forgive or forget.”
More to follow…
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