PC Harper's killers among those who may walk free from jail early after government review

By ITV News

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Justice Secretary Alex Norris has apologised to the family of PC Harper as two of his killers remain eligible for early release under new government exemptions. Norris acknowledged on Tuesday that manslaughter charges would not be included in the exemption after the government announced that rape, serious child sex offences, and grooming would be exempt from early release. He said: "I have heard directly how angry and upset the family are and with good reason, the killing of Andrew Harper was a terrible thing that shocked the nation, and I know that there is upset about this. "We couldn't draw the exemptions wide enough to include manslaughter as well. "I am deeply sorry about that, but we've made the decisions we've made to make sure that we have a justice system that stands up in the future." It comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham paused plans to release prisoners early in September to ease overcrowding in jails. The scheme will now be delayed until October. • Subscribe to

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