PC Harper trial: Teen feels 'disgraceful' about death of police officer
PC Andrew Harper was killed while he was responding to reports of a theft in August last year.
Tuesday 7 July 2020 17:13, UK
A teenage driver who dragged PC Andrew Harper to his death says he feels "disgraceful" about what happened.
Henry Long, 19, allegedly tried to evade arrest following an attempt to steal a quad bike from a home in Berkshire on the evening of 15 August last year.
PC Harper, who had responded to the theft, had got out of his patrol car to chase a suspect when his ankles became caught on a tow strap attached to Long's car.
He was dragged along a winding, country lane for more than a mile before he became disentangled, having suffered catastrophic injuries.
Hours after PC Harper died, Long, as well as the two passengers, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both 18, were arrested.
All three, from near Reading, deny PC Harper's murder, but have admitted conspiracy to steal the quad bike.
Long has also admitted to the manslaughter of the officer but denies intending to harm him.
He had initially denied any involvement in the incident, saying in a prepared statement to police that he had been watching Fast and Furious and The Goonies on DVD.
Giving evidence to the Old Bailey on Tuesday, he accepted that he had killed the police officer.
When asked how he felt by the defence barrister, Rossano Scamardella QC, Long replied: "Disgraceful".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on , , ,
The court heard how Long could not sleep and that he thought about PC Harper's family and how they feel.
He added he was unaware that the officer was attached to his car, saying: "If I was aware I would have stopped the vehicle, tried to save him."
Mr Scamardella said: "Did you ever have any intention to hurt him? Or kill him?"
Long said: "Not in any way."
Mr Scamardella said: "Did you care about what happened?"
Long said: "The fact he died, yes."
He told the court that this was the first time driving a car that was being chased by police, having been a passenger before, and said the atmosphere inside the car was "chaotic".
Long told jurors that he lived with his parents and five siblings and was part of the travelling community.
He said that like his father and grandfather, he was a "thief", stealing quad bikes and mechanical equipment, adding that their occupation was "not a proud thing to admit."
Long was taken out of school in year eight by his father, after being given detention, the court heard.
The trial continues.