July 2020. Three teenagers have been convicted of killing Pc Andrew Harper as they evaded arrest. All three were standing trial for murder, but the jury found them guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Driver Henry Long, 19, who dragged Pc Andrew Harper to his death, was found not guilty at the Old Bailey of murder, but had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter. His passengers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 18, were also cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter. Newlywed Pc Harper, 28, became entangled in a tow rope attached to their Seat Toledo as he tried to apprehend them. Long drove off at “breakneck” speed, dragging the Thames Valley Police officer for more than a mile along country lanes before he was dislodged, having suffered horrific injuries. The teenagers admitted plotting the theft and Long pleaded guilty to manslaughter but each denied knowing that Pc Harper was there. Their defence claimed the incident was a “freak event” that none of them could have planned or foreseen. But the prosecution said at more than 6ft and weighing 14 stone, the defendants must have been aware Pc Harper was being dragged to his death. A reconstruction suggested that rather than stopping, Long swerved in the road to try to throw him off. There’s clear evidence they knew what was going on and yet they get manslaughter?! It was blatant Murder and it’s sad the jurors don’t agree.
Jul 2020. Three Acquitted of the Murder of PC Harper
