Prime minister reviews early release scheme after Harper killers eligible

The UK government has said it will review its early release policy after public anger over two prisoners. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years for killing police officer Andrew Harper in 2019. Harper, aged 28, died after being dragged behind a car during a theft in Berkshire. Under a new policy starting in September, thousands of prisoners in England and Wales can leave prison after serving half their sentence instead of two-thirds. Cole and Bowers became eligible for early release under this policy. Harper's widow Lissie called the decision "deplorable" and his mother said it was an "insult." Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a review of the scheme following the strong public reaction.