Jessie Cole, one of the men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper, is currently classified as a "risk to staff" at HMP Whitemoor. Despite being eligbile for early release under a government initiative, Cole remains a high-security prisoner due to his violent behavior and history of instability.
The 'climber' and 'risk to staff' at HMP Whitemoor
Jessie Cole , 24, is currently held as a Category A prisoner—the highest security classification in the UK—at HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire. according to reports from The Sun, prison officials have labeled Cole as "violent" and a "risk to staff," with some inmates reportedly terrified of him. This classification suggests that Cole is not considered suitable for a lower-security environment, which is the typical progression for prisoners nearing the end of their sentences.
The reports highlight a pattern of volatility that predates his time at HMP Whitemoor. While held at Feltham Young Offender Institution, Cole was allegedly known for bullying other inmates and using his skills as a trained boxer to intimidate others. He reportedly engaged in "climbing" behavior, scaling railings to reach a second-floor unit as a form of protest over minor issues, such as missing a gym session .
A 13-year sentence for the 2019 Berkshire tragedy
The legal battle stems from the August 2019 death of PC Andrew Harper, a 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer. PC Harper was responding to a quad bike theft near Stanford Dingley, Berkshire, when he attempted to stop a SEAT Toledo. During the pursuit, PC Harper's foot became enangled in the vehicle's tow rope, resulting in him being dragged for more than a mile.
In 2020, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter. While they were cleared of murder, the court recognized the gravity of the incident. A third individual, the driver Henry Long, received a longer sentence of 16 years for his role in the tragedy.
One million signatures and the pressure on Andy Burnham
Public outcry has reached a fever pitch as the Labour government's early release scheme threatens to free Cole and Bowers in January, having served half of their sentences rather than two-thirds. A petition organized by Aileen O'Connor, Chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation, has surpassed one million signatures, urging the government to block their release.
The emotional toll is centered on the victim's family, specifically his mother, Debbie Adlam. As reported by the Daily Mail's Trial podcast, Adlam expressed that she would be "absolutely furious" if the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, failed to uphold pledges to keep the killers behind bars. The family describes the indecision from Downing Street as "draining," arguing that the horrific nature of the crime should preclude any early release.
The £20 weekly allowance and the 'standard' regime contradiction
A significant point of contention is the disparity between Jessie Cole's security risk and his daily privileges. Despite being a Category A prisoner marked as violent, Cole is reportedly on a "standard" regime. This allows him access to television, DVDs, phone calls, and a weekly canteen allowance of £20.
This creates a glaring question regarding prison management:why is a prisoner described as a danger to staff and a bully to other inmates granted the same privileges as low-risk prisoners? Furthermore, it remains unclear why Cole was earmarked for early release in the first place given his documented behavior, a point that Whitehall insiders suggest is now being reconsidered to ensure he remains incarcerated.
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