Criminals who kill emergency workers face life sentences after Government backs Harper’s Law

CRIMINALS who kill emergency workers will face life sentences after the Government finally backed Harper’s Law.

New sentencing powers will cover on-duty police, prison officers, firefighters, paramedics and more.

It is a victory for police widow Lissie, who campaigned for tougher punishments after PC Andrew Harper, 28, was dragged to his death in 2019 by three yobs in a getaway car.

Henry Long, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were jailed for between 13 and 16 years for his manslaughter.

An appeal by the Attorney General to increase their time behind bars was rejected.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said: “We are going to pass into law mandatory life sentences for those who unlawfully kill an emergency worker in the course of their duty.

“I pay tribute to Lissie Harper’s remarkable campaign.”

He insisted the new law would show emergency workers and the public that "that we've got their back".

And he said it's needed because there are a shocking 10,000 attacks on police officers, nurses, and other frontline staff every year.

Mr Raab said: "Killing an emergency worker in the course of his or her duties shows a level of malevolence that does require a life sentence.

"I'm also concerned about the scale of attacks on emergency workers. It's critical that the justice system is firm but fair.

"A mandatory life sentence for those killing emergency workers in the course of their duties is absolutely the right thing to do."

Lissie added: “Emergency services workers require extra protection.

"I know all too well how they are put at risk on a regular basis on behalf of society.

"Andrew would be proud to see Harper’s Law reach this important milestone.”

The new powers extend life sentences to those who commit the manslaughter of an emergency worker while carrying out another crime.

The murder of a police officer already carries a life sentence.