Killing a police officer or 999 worker is to be punished with a mandatory life sentence, it was announced last night.
The legal change is a major victory for the widow of hero PC Andrew Harper, who was killed responding to a burglary.
Lissie Harper, 30, was left outraged after the trio who caused his death escaped with sentences as low as 13 years – and smirked in the dock.
‘Harper’s Law’ will apply to any killer of an on-duty police officer, fireman, paramedic or prison officer – and also to a criminal who kills medics providing NHS care.
The change is expected to make it on to the statute book early next year via an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
Lissie Harper, 30, was left outraged after the trio who caused her husband's death escaped with sentences as low as 13 years – and smirked in the dock
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab today pays tribute to Mrs Harper, saying she suffered a ‘burning sense of injustice’. Writing exclusively for the Daily Mail, he adds: ‘We all owe a debt of gratitude to our dedicated emergency workers. I want them to know we’ve got their backs.
‘I pay tribute to Lissie’s determination to change the law, so that the families of those killed while simply doing their jobs get the justice they deserve.’
He also praises Mrs Harper for her ‘remarkable’ 15-month campaign backed by the rank-and-file Police Federation.
She said last night: ‘It’s been a long journey and a lot of hard work. I know Andrew would be proud to see Harper’s Law reach this important milestone.
‘Emergency service workers require extra protection. I know all too well how they are put at risk – and into the depths of danger – on a regular basis on behalf of society. That protection is what Harper’s Law will provide and I am delighted that it will soon become a reality.
‘I would like to thank my incredible Harper’s Law team as well as the public for their unstinting support for such an important campaign – those who believed that the right thing is worth doing despite the hurdles and challenges that we needed to overcome.
‘And for the families of those that this law will provide justice for, we’re almost there. Your continued support has kept me pushing forward.’
On August 15, 2019, four hours after the end of his shift, PC Harper, 28, responded to reports of a stolen quad bike at Stanford Dingley in Berkshire.
As he approached the suspects, his legs became entangled in a strap attached to a Seat Toledo driven by Henry Long, then 19. Long accelerated away.
PC Harper’s colleague, PC Andrew Shaw, later described how the officer fell and disappeared from view, like a waterskier with his ‘feet whipped forward’. The newlywed was dragged for more than a mile for 91 seconds, at an average speed of 43mph, before his body was dislodged.
After a trial, Long
