PC Andrew Harper’s widow has condemned the possibility that two men convicted over the police officer’s death could be released early from prison, describing the prospect as “deplorable” and saying it sends a devastating message to victims’ families.

Lissie Harper said she had spent years rebuilding her life after her husband was killed in a horrific incident that saw him dragged for more than a mile behind a vehicle while responding to a burglary in Berkshire.

The 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer died in August 2019 after attempting to stop a group stealing a quad bike in Sulhamstead.

His ankles became caught in a tow strap attached to the back of the criminals’ vehicle as they attempted to escape, leaving him dragged along a country road.

Three men were later convicted over his death.

Henry Long, who was driving the vehicle, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for manslaughter.

Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were both 17 at the time of the incident and were passengers in the car, were each handed 13-year sentences.

However, under the government’s controversial early release scheme, Cole and Bowers could become eligible to leave prison after serving half of their sentences.

Long is not expected to benefit from the policy.

The possibility has sparked fury from PC Harper’s family, police officers and campaigners who argue that the punishment handed down by the courts should be respected.

In a statement, Lissie Harper said the decision to consider early release had reopened painful memories of the loss of her husband.

“It has taken me years to rebuild a life that was torn apart in a matter of moments,” she said.

“Years to pick up the pieces left behind by three men whose actions robbed Andrew of his life and stole our future.”

She criticized politicians for making decisions that could affect victims without fully understanding the consequences.

“Now – once again – politicians are making decisions from behind a desk that will have real and lasting consequences for victims’ families like mine,” she said.

“It is deplorable to me that we have reached a point where releasing prisoners early is even considered acceptable.”

Mrs Harper said the policy undermined the principles of justice and accountability.

“We speak of justice, accountability and standing with victims, yet decisions like this do the opposite,” she added.

“They tell victims their suffering matters less, and offenders that the punishment handed down by our courts is no longer what they will actually serve.”

The anger comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a review of the early release scheme amid growing criticism.

The policy, introduced to tackle severe overcrowding in prisons, is expected to see thousands of offenders released earlier than originally planned.

The Sentencing Act is due to come into force in September and could result in around 6,000 prisoners becoming eligible for earlier release.

The government has argued the measure is necessary because Britain’s prison system is under extreme pressure.

However, critics have warned that releasing offenders earlier could put communities at risk and leave victims feeling abandoned by the justice system.

The Police Federation for England and Wales described the potential release of Harper’s killers as “disgusting”.

Brian Booth, the organization’s deputy national chair, said police officers across the country would be deeply upset by the decision.

“Police officers from across the country stood side by side to honour Andrew Harper at his funeral,” he said.

“They and every serving officer will be utterly sickened at the prospect of Bowers and Cole being back on the streets so soon.”

PC Harper’s mother, Debbie Adlam, has also spoken out against the possibility.

She revealed she received a letter from the Ministry of Justice informing her that the men responsible for her son’s death could have their sentences reduced.

She told The Telegraph that the news had left her feeling devastated.

“It makes me feel sick,” she said.

“It feels like a slap in the face and an insult.”

The controversy has placed renewed attention on the circumstances surrounding PC Harper’s death and the campaign for tougher protection for emergency workers.

Following her husband’s killing, Lissie Harper launched a campaign for stronger laws covering people who kill emergency workers while committing crimes.

Her efforts eventually led to the introduction of Harper’s Law.

The legislation created mandatory life sentences for those convicted of killing emergency workers, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics and prison officers, while committing another offence.

However, because the law was introduced after PC Harper’s death, it does not apply retrospectively.

His killers therefore cannot have their sentences increased under the legislation.

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said the situation highlighted the difference between current law and the punishment Harper’s killers would receive today.

“Under the law that bears Andrew’s name, if his killers were convicted today, they would be receiving life sentences,” he said.

“For this reason, for them to be released early under the new Sentencing Act legislation feels wrong.”

Chief Constable Hogg said he had written to senior government ministers to make his concerns clear.

The backlash has also prompted political scrutiny of the early release policy.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wanted to examine the scheme in detail before allowing it to proceed.

He stressed that Henry Long, whom he described as the main perpetrator, would not be eligible for early release.

“The main perpetrator will not be subject to any early release,” Burnham said.

However, he acknowledged the wider concerns surrounding the policy.

“I want to assure myself that everything has been looked at before this policy proceeds,” he said.

“I can’t say that I can’t change the policy completely, but I will look at it in detail before we go further forward.”

The government has defended the scheme, saying action was needed because of the worsening prison crisis.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson expressed sympathy for PC Harper’s family while explaining the reasoning behind the changes.

“This was a horrific crime, and our deepest sympathies are with PC Andrew Harper’s family and friends,” the spokesperson said.

“In 2024, the country was facing a prison crisis and a total breakdown of law and order, with judges ordered to stop jailing dangerous criminals.”

The department said it remained committed to public safety and was investing in new prison places.

But opponents argue that the policy represents a failure to address the deeper problems facing the criminal justice system.

The controversy intensified further after Defence Secretary Wes Streeting was forced to apologize over comments made during a private event that were interpreted as joking about the early release plans.

The incident added to criticism that politicians were not treating victims’ concerns seriously.

For the Harper family, the debate is about more than one prison policy.

It is about whether the justice system is honoring the memory of a police officer who lost his life while protecting others.

Nearly six years after PC Harper’s death, his widow says she is still fighting for the same principle that inspired her campaign for Harper’s Law: that those who take the life of an emergency worker should face consequences that reflect the seriousness of their actions.

And as the government reviews its controversial release scheme, families like the Harpers are waiting to see whether their voices will be heard.