Four in court over PC Harper death
Four people have appeared at the Old Bailey this morning (December 13) to face charges in connection with the death of Thames Valley Police Constable Andrew Harper.
PC Harper was killed on August 15 after responding to a suspected burglary in the village of Sulhamstead, near Reading. The 28-year-old officer died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a moving vehicle. The incident occurred just four weeks after his wedding.
Henry Long, 18 from Mortimer in Reading, and two 17-year-olds – who cannot be identified for legal reasons – have been charged with his murder and an alternative count of manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
One of the 17-year-olds entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of manslaughter. Mr Long and the second teenager will appear at a further plea hearing on January 7.
A fourth man, Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, is accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
Three of the defendants appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from custody, while Mr King appeared in person and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal on or before August 15.
Mr King has been granted bail until his sentencing but was told this will not take place until after the other defendants have faced trial, which is due to begin on March 9.
