THE killers of Pc Andrew Harper could have their jail sentenced increased after the case was today referred to the Court of Appeal.
Henry Long, 19, Albert Bowers and Jessie Col, both 18, were cleared of the murder of the brave cop and instead were convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Today, Attorney General Suella Braverman referred the sentences to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Long, who was driving the car when the Thames Valley Police officer was dragged to his death while responding to a quad bike theft on August 15, was caged for 16 years.
Bowers and Cole were handed 13 years in prison and banned from driving for two years.
Pc Harper's mum Debbie Adlam said she was "pleased" to see the step taken.
She said: "My family and I know that the whole nation stands with us in outrage at the sentences handed down to my son's killers.
"We can only hope that a fairer outcome is reached by the Court of Appeal to deliver the justice that Andrew deserves.
"As a family we will not stop campaigning until our blue light heroes are safer as they step out each and every day to protect us as a society."
Suella Braverman said: "This was a horrific crime which resulted in the death of a much-respected police officer while he was on-duty, protecting his community.
"Having personally considered the details of this shocking case, I have decided to refer the sentences of Pc Andrew Harper's killers to the Court of Appeal.
"Attacks made against emergency workers will not be tolerated and offenders should be punished with the greatest severity for such heinous crimes."
My family and I know that the whole nation stands with us in outrage at the sentences handed down to my son's killers
Bowers and Cole this week lodged applications with the Court of Appeal seeking permission to challenge their convictions and their 13-year jail sentences.
Long was originally facing 24 years in prison for his role in killing PC Harper in Stanford Dingley, Berkshire.
However, he was handed a lenient sentence after being given credit for his early plea, time spent on remand and his age.
PC Harper, 28, was dragged to his death behind the gang’s getaway car as they escaped with a £10,000 Honda quad bike from a raid at Bradfield Southend, near Reading, Berks.
The helpless cop caught his foot in a tow rope and was dragged for more than a mile along a country lane at speeds of up to 70 mph while driver Long swerved violently.
His battered body was so mutilated it was mistaken for a deer carcass by horrified onlookers.
'A MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE'
The trio were all found not guilty of murder, despite evidence that the car was trying to shake off the dying cop.
And at their trial they tormented Pc Harper's grieving widow Lissie – who attended every day – by giggling as his death was described and clowning in front of court photographers.
Bowers even fell asleep as the prosecutor showed jurors video footage of the Thames Valley Police officer being dragged to his death.
Pc Harper's brave widow has previously spoken out over the sentence, saying her husband’s killers’ “glee” as they cheated justice sparked her crusade for all 999 heroes.
Lissie, 29, was put through a nightmare ordeal as three thugs hugged each other and cheered as they were cleared of murdering PC Andrew Harper.
Describing the moment she heard the sentence, Lissie told The Sun: “I was on the edge of my seat at the Old Bailey waiting for the juror to give the answer.
“Then a feeling of total shock and numbness overwhelmed me when I heard the words ‘not guilty’ – it wasn’t what I had been hoping for or expecting.
“I held back the urge to shout out as their families began cheering.
“Instantly I just thought – no – this system is broken. This is so wrong – a clear miscarriage of justice."
Source: Read Full Article