Downing Street admits it can’t stop PC Andrew Harper’s killers from being released from prison early

Jessie Cole (left) and Albert Bowers Andy Burnham has ordered one of his top ministers to find a way to keep the killers of PC Andrew Harper in prison. The prime minister wants justice secretary Alex Norris to “work through further options” to prevent the early release of Jessie…

Mark Fairhurst, chair of the Prison Officers' Association, said he was 'positive we could free up additional space' by bailing or tagging thousands of people arrested and awaiting trial.

Downing Street says it isn't possible to prevent 'one or two offenders' convicted of manslaughter from being let out of prison early, without setting a precedent for other cases.

Andy Burnham has asked his justice secretary to find a way to keep two of PC Andrew Harper's killers behind bars when the early release scheme comes into effect in October.

Manslaughter exemption would mean more releases would be needed within 18 months, Prison Service officials say What could Andy Burnham do to block early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers? Andy Burnham has been warned that changing the terms of the prisoners’ early release…

While it was reported this week that Andy Burnham was prepared to ‘explore every option’ to keep Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers in jail, Downing Street has since played down the prospect of an imminent carve-out to keep the pair behind bars