PC Andrew Harper: Teenager pleads guilty to killing police officer

PC Harper was run over while responding to a burglary in Berkshire in August

A teenager has admitted killing a police officer who died while responding to a reported burglary in Berkshire.

Henry Long, 18, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper but denied murder.

The teenager, from Reading, is the alleged driver of a vehicle the police officer was dragged under during an incident near the village of Sulhamstead on 15 August.

Appearing at an Old Bailey hearing via video link from HMP Belmarsh, he was asked for his plea to a charge of manslaughter and replied: “I plead guilty, guilty.”

Mr Long also admitted conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

A 17-year-old co-defendant, who cannot be identified, entered not guilty pleas to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal during the hearing on Tuesday .

Last month, a second 17-year-old defendant who cannot be named for legal reasons pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal.

Mr Long did not enter any pleas at that hearing.

A fourth defendant, Thomas King, was accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike over the same incident on 15 August.

The 21-year-old, from Basingstoke, pleaded guilty to the charge and was granted bail until his sentencing at the conclusion of proceedings against the other defendants.

A six-week trial is due to start at the Old Bailey on 9 March.

PC Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was killed on 15 August near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire.

The 28-year-old died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a vehicle, four weeks after his wedding.