PC Harper’s mother said she was “devastated” after the government announced plans to restart a revised early-release scheme in October that will bar rapists and child sex offenders from eligibility. The announcement, published by ministers, confirmed the scheme will resume next month with explicit exclusions for those convicted of sexual offences against adults and children.
The government statement did not detail all categories of inmates covered by the revised arrangements but said the changes are intended to set clear limits on who may be considered for early release. Officials confirmed the restart date of October and stressed the exclusions for sexual offenders would apply across the scheme.
Family members of victims and campaign groups expressed concern at the prospect that other offenders connected to high-profile cases could still be considered for early release under the revised framework. The mother of PC Harper publicly described her reaction after reports indicated individuals responsible for his death could be eligible for the scheme, calling the development devastating for families bereaved by violent crime.
Early-release schemes are designed to manage prison populations and support reintegration for some qualifying prisoners, but they typically include assessment processes to evaluate risk and suitability. The government said the revised measures aim to balance public protection with the operational needs of the prison system, while ensuring those who committed sexual offences are excluded from early release pathways.
As the October restart approaches, officials have indicated further operational guidance will be published to clarify eligibility and safeguards. Victims’ representatives and legal bodies are expected to review the published rules and may seek further reassurances about notification and review processes for decisions affecting those convicted of serious and violent offences, including the individuals connected to the death of PC Harper.
