Pc Andrew Harper latest: Jed Foster will stand trial in January for alleged murder of police officer

Jed Foster will stand trial in January accused of murdering Pc Andrew Harper (pictured)
Family Handout/PA Wire
Rebecca Speare-Cole21 August 2019
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The man accused of murdering newlywed Pc Andrew Harper will stand trial in January.

Jed Foster, 20, is charged with killing the Thames Valley PC, who died on Thursday night near the village of Sulhamstead, Berkshire, after officers were called to a suspected break-in.

PC Harper, 28, a newlywed who was due to go on his honeymoon, died of multiple injuries after being dragged under a vehicle and may have also been hit by a police car during the incident.

Foster appeared at Reading Crown Court by video-link from Woodhill prison in Milton Keynes today, charged with Pc Harper's murder and the theft of a quad bike from a man called Paul Wallis.

He is yet to enter pleas to the charges, but his lawyer Rob Jacques said on Tuesday that Foster "denies any involvement in the horrific murder of Pc Harper".

Judge Paul Dugdale said on Wednesday: "I understand the issue is identity as far as Mr Foster is concerned."

Foster, 20, whose friends and family members filled the public gallery, spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and that his nationality is "white British" during the hearing, which lasted around 30 minutes.

Pc Harper's family looked on from seats in the jury box as Foster sat emotionless at a desk listening to proceedings.

The judge set a trial date for January 20 for the case, which is expected to last around three weeks.

"It will be a High Court judge case and will be tried at Reading Crown Court," he said.

"It was an incident that took place in Berkshire and it should be tried in Berkshire."

Foster was one of 10 men and boys aged between 13 and 30 from a nearby caravan park arrested after the death.

Only he has been charged, while the remaining nine suspects have been bailed until September 13.

Foster is next expected to appear in court on November 20 for a case management hearing.

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