The Prime Minister has confirmed that prisoners sentenced for manslaughter, indecent assault and causing death through dangerous driving will be excluded from proposed early release arrangements.

The announcement brings relief to those connected with the case of PC Andrew Harper, who was killed in 2019.

The two men convicted of the officer’s manslaughter will serve the full terms of their original sentences.

The exemption from the controversial release scheme means they cannot be freed ahead of schedule.

Senior officers had pressed for the exclusion to be formalised.

Chief Constable Jason Hogg discussed the matter with the Lord Chancellor, accompanied by the local police federation representative and the area’s police and crime commissioner.

Their discussions centred on concerns that the original arrangements could have resulted in the offenders being released prematurely, with potential consequences for bereaved families, communities and the wider criminal justice system.

Thames Valley Police stated that the focus throughout the process had been ensuring the perspectives of victims, relatives, serving officers and local communities were given proper weight alongside systemic pressures on prisons.

The force expressed appreciation that those representations were heeded.

Officers noted that the case had attracted attention well beyond the force area.

The confirmation was described as offering reassurance not only to the officer’s family and friends but to other victims and bereaved families who had monitored the situation closely and sought confidence that the most serious crimes would be treated with appropriate severity.

The force emphasised that the matter transcended political considerations and was fundamentally about acknowledging PC Harper and the enduring effects of his death on those who knew him and the communities he served.

PC Harper was 28 years old when he died on August 15, 2019.

He became trapped by equipment attached to an all-terrain vehicle used by offenders near Sulhamstead in Berkshire during an incident involving theft.

PC Harper’s mother, Deborah Adlam, described the recent months as extremely difficult.

Speaking to media, she said she was relieved that the matter had been resolved but noted the experience had been emotionally taxing.

She indicated the family was glad the situation had concluded but acknowledged the difficult journey they had endured since the incident.