A TEENAGER has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper, but denied murder.

Henry Long, 18 from Mortimer in Reading, and two 17-year-old boys – 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.

A fourth man, Thomas King, 21, from Gregory Close in Basingstoke, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal a quad bike in December.

Newlywed PC Harper, 28, died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van on August 15 last year.

 

Long, the alleged van driver, appeared at the Old Bailey for a plea hearing by video link from Belmarsh prison wearing a black and white Puma sweatshirt.

When asked for his plea to a charge of manslaughter, he said: "Pardon, was that manslaughter?" before adding: "I plead guilty, guilty."

Long denied Pc Harper's murder but admitted conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

A 17-year-old co-defendant, who cannot be identified, entered not guilty pleas to Pc Harper's manslaughter and conspiracy to steal.

The boy appeared in court by video link from Wetherby young offenders institute in a grey sweatshirt and wearing a crucifix around his neck.

Previously, another 17-year-old boy has entered not guilty pleas to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal.

The three teenagers are due to face a six-week trial at the Old Bailey from March 9.

More to follow