The widow of PC Andrew Harper has vowed to fight to change the law in her late husband’s name to introduce life sentences for those who kill emergency workers.

Lissie Harper is determined to continue her campaign to get the law changed in his name on the anniversary of launching her quest for 'Harper’s Law'.

PC Andrew Harper, 28, originally from Wallingford, died after he was dragged along the road by a vehicle in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, on 15 August 2019.

The police officer, who had been based at Abingdon Station, was investigating the reported burglary of a quad bike.

He became tangled in a crane strap attached to the back of the car as he tried to apprehend a trio of teenagers, who were suspected of stealing the quad bike.

The trio fled down a winding country road, dragging PC Harper to his death behind them.

He suffered multiple catastrophic injuries.

The car was driven by Henry Long, 19 at the time, with passengers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 18 at the time.

In July 2020, Long was jailed for 16 years and Cole and Bowers were each jailed for 13 years over the death of PC Harper.

PC Harper was killed just four weeks after his wedding to partner of 13 years, Lissie.

In a statement, Mrs Harper said: “Day after day, police officers, and sadly many of our emergency services heroes, look danger in the eyes and carry on regardless.

“They put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, so we need to give something back to show we support them.”

The Home Secretary , Priti Patel, and the Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland QC have backed Mrs Harper's campaign but proposals are yet to come before Parliament. However, Mrs Harper said she will not stop perusing the change until Harper's Law is 'written in the history books'.

She said: “We have gained lots of momentum over the past year in discussions with the Ministry of Justice and The Home Office about making this much needed law a reality.

“With a year behind us since the commencement of such an emotional but all be it vital undertaking, I am reassured by the continued progress we make.

“I hope that with The Government returning from recess, and as party conference season takes place, we will be in a good position to make Harper’s Law a reality as soon as possible.

“We will continue to keep putting the pressure on politicians and continue to implore the Home Office to get this done now.”

Mrs harper said she is expecting to meet Mr Buckland and Ms Patel in Westminster again to chart the progress of Harper’s Law.

She added: “Our protectors need our protection, to know that we appreciate everything they do for us, that running towards danger when everyone else runs away from it will not be met with injustice like it did for my husband.

“We know this won’t happen overnight, but make no mistake, I will not allow this to be kicked into the long grass.

“There will be no reprieve until Harper’s Law is written in the history books.”

A petition in support of the proposals has since reached more than 750,000 signatures.

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