By PC Andrew Harper’s dad backs calls for new law
PC Andrew Harper’s father is backing calls for a new law to ensure life sentences are given to the killers of emergency service workers.
Phil Harper, in his first comments since three teenagers were jailed over his police officer son’s death, gave his support to the Harper’s Law campaign, launched by his son’s widow Lissie.
He also said his “heart was so broken” for his family when he found out his son had been killed on duty.
PC Harper, 28, suffered catastrophic injuries when he was dragged behind a getaway car in Berkshire last August.
Mrs Harper, 29, has called for killers of emergency workers to face mandatory life sentences, “no ifs, no buts”.
Mr Harper said he was “so proud of Lissie for having the courage to take on this incredible task”.
“I’m also so proud of Sean and Aimee – Andrew’s brother and sister – for being so dignified throughout the last year, as it has been so incredibly tough for them too,” he added.
“Both have lost more than just a brother – he was a best friend as well, who would always take the time to give the best advice he could. My heart was so broken for them when they heard the terrible news.”
Mr Harper also paid tribute to his wife Karen for her “love and support”.
A trial at the Old Bailey heard how PC Harper had responded to reports of a quad bike theft with a colleague.
As he attempted to apprehend one of the three suspects, his feet became entangled in a rope trailing behind a getaway car, which led to him being dragged to his death.
The driver of the car, 19-year-old Henry Long, and his passengers Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both 18, were convicted of manslaughter but cleared of murder.
Bowers and Cole have launched appeals against their conviction.
Long was jailed for 16 years while Bowers and Cole were sentenced to 13 years each.
The attorney general announced yesterday (Friday) that she had referred the sentences of PC Harper’s killers to the Court of Appeal because she considered them “unduly lenient”.
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