A TEENAGER has admitted killing PC Andrew Harper.

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

The Thames Valley Police officer was killed in the line of duty after responding to a call for a burglary in the village of Sulhamstead.

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The alleged van driver, Henry Long, 18, from Reading, 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 murder but admitted conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

His plea for manslaughter was not accepted by the court and so he will have a trial in March where a jury will decide based on evidence.

A 17-year-old co-defendant, who cannot be identified because of his age, entered a not guilty plea to 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.

A fourth defendant, Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, had admitted conspiracy to steal a quad bike.

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

IN BRIEF: 

  • Henry Long (appeared at court today): pleaded guilty to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike, but pleaded not guilty to murder.
  • A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named (appeared at court today): pleaded not guilty conspiracy to steal a quad bike and has not yet entered a plea for murder or manslaughter.
  • A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named (appeared at court in December): pleaded guilty of conspiracy to steal a quad bike and pleaded not guilty of murder and manslaughter. 
  • Thomas King (appeared at court in December): pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal a quad bike, not charged with murder.