Top news Uk:Teen, 17, denies manslaughter over death of PC Andrew Harper

Boy, 17, denies manslaughter of newlywed police officer

The newly married officer, 28, was hit by a van and died of multiple injuries after attending a reported break-in on 15 August on the A4 Bath Road in Sulhamstead, Berkshire. Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer in Reading, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be identified, are charged with his murder, an alternative of manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike. One of the 17-year-olds, wearing a grey tracksuit and large crucifix, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal today. He was not asked to enter pleas to the further charge of murder. A fourth defendant, Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, is accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike. He appeared at the Old Bailey to plead guilty to conspiracy to steal on or before August 15.

He was granted bail until his sentencing at the end of the trial of the other defendants. Judge Mr Justice Edis told him: ‘I am giving you bail – that does not mean you are not going to be sent to prison. ‘What happens to you at the end of this process has not been decided and you must not make the assumption about what is going to happen. ‘The offence you have pleaded guilty to is a serious offence.’ PC Harper had been married 28 days and was due to go on his honeymoon when he died. His wife Lissie has described him as the ‘kindest, loveliest, most selfless person you will ever meet’. Three people charged over PC Harper’s death appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from custody on Friday.