PC Andrew Harper death: Boy, 17, denies manslaughter of newlywed police officer
Three people are charged with PC Harper's murder, an alternative of manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
Friday 13 December 2019 15:48, UK
A teenager has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper, as a 21-year-old man admitted plotting to steal a quad bike before the officer's death.
The 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer was killed on 15 August near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire.
He died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van, four weeks after his wedding.
Three people charged over PC Harper's death appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from custody on Friday.
Henry Long, 18, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named, are charged with the policeman's murder, an alternative of manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
One of the 17-year-olds, wearing a grey tracksuit and large crucifix, entered not guilty pleas to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal.
He was not asked to enter pleas to the further charge of murder.
A further plea hearing for Long, from Mortimer in Reading, and the other 17-year-old was fixed for 7 January.
Meanwhile, a fourth defendant, Thomas King, is accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
King appeared in the dock at the Old Bailey where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal on or before 15 August.
The 21-year-old defendant from Basingstoke was granted bail until his sentencing at the conclusion of the trial of the other defendants.
A six-week trial has been fixed at the Old Bailey to start on 9 March.