PC Andrew Harper death: Attorney general asked to consider whether sentences for killers were 'unduly lenient'

Police officer's widow Lissie has written to Boris Johnson asking for retrial

Driver Henry Long, 19, and passengers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 18, were convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper. (Thames Valley Police)

The Attorney General has received a request asking law officers to consider whether the jail terms handed to the three teenagers who killed police officer Andrew Harper were too lenient.

Henry Long, 19, who was driving the car that dragged PC Harper to his death, was sentenced to 16 years for manslaughter, while the other passengers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 18, received 13-year terms.

PC Harper was killed on 15 August last year after becoming entangled in a crane strap attached to their car and being dragged along behind it.

He had been attempting to stop the three teenagers escaping after they had stolen a quad bike in Stanford Dingley, Berkshire.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office said: "The Attorney General's thoughts are with the family and friends of Pc Andrew Harper at this difficult time.

"I can confirm that we have received a request for the cases of Henry Long, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole to be considered under the unduly lenient sentence scheme."

Law officers must consider the case within 28 days of sentencing, the spokesperson added.

PC Harper's widow Lissie has said she is disappointed that the three men were found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder.

In an open letter posted on Facebook last week, Ms Harper wrote to the prime minister and other leading figures asking for a retrial.

However, a retrial cannot take place unless prosecutors have new and compelling evidence, or it is proven that there was interference with the jury.

Trial judge Mr Justice Edis said there was no evidence showing pressure had been exerted on the jury.

He told the Old Bailey: "It may be believed in some quarters that the jury was subject to some improper pressure.

"To the best of my knowledge and belief there is no truth in that at all."

The Attorney General does not have the power to order a retrial.

Additional reporting from PA.