PC’S widow is ‘appalled’ by manslaughter verdict
A FURIOUS driver who threatened to “ram” the police has been cleared of murdering a brave officer who was killed as he tried to catch him and his thieving accomplices.
But Henry Long (19) and his passengers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 18, who were determined to escape “at all costs” after stealing a quad bike in Berkshire, are facing years in jail for manslaughter.
Newlywed Pc Andrew 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. All three were cleared of murder by an Old Bailey jury, but Cole and Bowers were found guilty of manslaughter.
Pc Harper’s widow Lissie said: “I honestly thought I would be addressing you after a very different verdict. I had planned to talk of the beautiful future Andrew and I had before us, I expected my words to be so very different and in all honesty I am for the second time in the space of one year utterly shocked and appalled.
“The decisions made in the these courts by strangers will never change the outcome that had already come to pass. For many, many agonising months we have hoped that justice would come in some way for Andrew.
“We have put our faith in the justice system and all who work within it.
“We have waited with baited breath and heavy hearts as the dedicated prosecution barristers and investigation team of Thames Valley Police officers have worked tirelessly and who we thank sincerely for all they have done, as they stood in our corner and fought to make sure these men were made to repent for their barbaric crimes.
“No verdict or sentence will ever bring my incredible, selfless and heroic husband back. The results from this trial I had hoped would bring justice but in reality make no difference to the heart-wrenching pain I will feel for the rest of my life.”
The teenagers’ 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.
Jurors also saw dashcam footage that appeared to catch the moment Cole turned towards the officer before diving through the window of the getaway car and making good his escape.
Mr Justice Edis adjourned sentence until next Friday.
It emerged yesterday that Long had previously threatened to “ram” a police officer as he chatted with a police community support officer. In the conversation in July 2018, ruled inadmissible during the trial, Long said: “You can’t touch me now ‘cos I’ve passed my driving test and if police try to stop me I will ram them.”