Widow of Pc Andrew Harper promises 'no reprieve' until Harper's Law is reality

THE widow of Pc Andrew Harper has said work is continuing to turn Harper’s Law into reality, and has promised that she “will not stop until we get there”.

Pc Harper was killed on August 15, 2019, when responding to reports of a theft of a quad bike in Stanford Dingley.

His foot got caught in a strap attached to the back of a car driven by Henry Long, 19, and he was dragged to his death down a winding country road as Long and two friends fled the scene.

The tragedy occurred just four weeks after his wedding.

Long, from College Piece, Mortimer, was sentenced in July 2020 to 16 years and 18-year-olds Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, from Paices Hill, Aldermaston, and Windmill Corner, Mortimer Common, respectively, were handed 13 years in custody over the manslaughter of the Thames Valley Police traffic officer.

Since then, Lissie Harper has been campaigning for much stronger punishments for criminals convicted of killing emergency workers.

Under Harper’s Law, a person found guilty of killing a police officer, firefighter, nurse, doctor, paramedic or prison officer, as a direct result of a crime they have committed, would be jailed for life.

Posting an update on Thames Talk, a blog dedicated to news from Thames Valley Police Federation, Mrs Harper said: “The hard work continues in the background as we strive ahead with this important campaign.

“Plans to make Harper’s Law a reality are still very much at the forefront of my mind, and I can assure you all I will not stop until we get there.

“We have just had another successful meeting recently with the Ministry of Justice, who are working hard to ensure the legislation is just right and as effective as possible in ensuring that justice is given to our brave emergency services heroes.

“Harper’s Law would provide a strong deterrent and an appropriate punishment for such a heinous crime.”

Filming has also begun on an ITV documentary with Sir Trevor McDonald, titled The Killing of Pc Harper: A Wife’s Story.

Mrs Harper will share her memories of the relationship with her husband, her refusal to be a victim and the Harper’s Law campaign.

Sir Trevor will also meet lead detectives in the case, press and wider friends and family to build the full picture of events and the film will include unseen police interview footage and CCTV.

Mrs Harper added: “We have begun filming this year and I am hopeful that the programme will reflect the true nature of the work that our frontline emergency services workers do, the impact that the legal system has when the laws aren’t working – and also the tireless work that goes into a campaign such as this.

“I am truly grateful for the rest of my Harper’s Law team and the support I am getting from Martis Media and Thames Valley Police Federation.

“As you know, this is a journey I did not wish for but that I am glad to have them fighting alongside me.

“I know that if he could, Andrew would join them in being right by my side fighting for Harper’s Law. He would want me to get this law passed for all who deserve it.

“We know this won’t happen overnight, but make no mistake, I will not allow this to be kicked into the long grass.

“There will be no reprieve until Harper’s Law is written in the history books.”