Killing of PC Andrew Harper is far from an isolated incident: The Yorkshire Post says

While that legislation was an undoubted step in the right direction, it is sadly clear more needs to be done.

The widow of PC Andrew Harper, killed last year as he tried to stop three thieves fleeing with a stolen quad bike in Berkshire, has launched a campaign backed by the Police Federation of England and Wales for full-life prison terms for those who kill members of the emergency services, while his mother has said there should be a minimum term of 20 years for anyone who takes an officer’s life with no possibility of parole.

It comes after two of PC Harper’s killers were told they will only serve two-thirds of their 13 year sentences in custody.

Backing for ‘Andrew’s Law’ has now come from another policeman seriously injured in the line of duty.

PC Gareth Phillips suffered a shattered pelvis when he was run over by a car thief five days before the death of PC Harper and has only recently returned to work.

As he puts it today, emergency service workers who go out to help people should not face the all-too-real possibility of not being able to go home at the end of a shift.

Amoral law-breakers willing to attack public servants will never disappear from our streets but when they do commit such offences, their punishments should fit the severity of the crimes.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor