Teenager Henry Long pleads guilty to killing Pc Andrew Harper but denies murder

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A teenager has pleaded guilty to killing a newly-wed police officer but has denied murder.

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

The Thames Valley Police officer had been responding to a suspected burglary when he was killed near the village of Sulhamstead in West Berkshire.

The alleged van driver, Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer, Reading, appeared at the Old Bailey for a plea hearing by video link from Belmarsh prison wearing a black and white Puma sweatshirt.

Pc Andrew Harper's Funeral - In pictures

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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.

Long and two 17-year-olds who cannot be named are due to stand trial on the murder charge on March 9. The two 17-year-olds have both denied conspiracy to steal the quad bike.

Thomas King, 21, from Bramley, Hants, has already pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to steal charge.

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