By Eric King
FOUR people have appeared at the Old Bailey this morning after the death of PC Andrew Harper.
The police officer was killed on August 15 after responding to a suspected burglary in the village of Sulhamstead, near Reading.
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The 28-year-old newlywed died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a moving vehicle, four weeks after his wedding.
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, is also accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
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Three of the defendants appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from custody, while King was in the dock before Mr Justice Edis this morning.
He was then granted bail until his sentencing, which will not take place until the other defendants have had a full trial. One of the 17-year-old boys, who was wearing a grey tracksuit and a large crucifix, entered not guilty pleas to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal.
Another plea hearing for Long and the second 17-year-old boy has been fixed for January 7. A six-week trial has been fixed to start on March 9 at the Old Bailey.
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