Suspect denies murder of tragic police officer
A MAN of 20 yesterday winked at family and friends in the public gallery of a packed court where he denied the “horrific murder” of PC Andrew Harper.
It happened as Jed Foster was escorted out of the dock by police and prison officers.
Foster’s solicitor insisted his client had “no involvement” in the newly- married officer’s death while investigating a village burglary.
PC Harper’s mother and stepfather, Deborah and Phil Adlam, were also present for the three- minute appearance at Reading Magistrates’ Court.
The accused man’s mother Jolene Hannington also sat through the hearing, clutching a teddy bear throughout.
PC Harper suffered fatal injuries after being dragged beneath a vehicle last Thursday in Sulhamstead, Berks.
The 28- year- old had married his wife Lissie in a fairytale wedding at Ardington House, near Oxford, just four weeks previously.
Stealing
Handcuffed and flanked by police and prison officers, Foster wore a prison issue jogging suit as he faced charges of murder and stealing a quad bike.
The bearded defendant spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address in Burghfield, near Reading.
District Judge Davindar Lachhar said: “Whatever he wants to say about the offences themselves, he will have the opportunity at crown court.”
After the hearing, Foster’s solicitor Rob Jacques said: “On behalf of him and his family I want to say three things. He denies any involvement in the horrific murder of PC Harper.
“We urge the police to follow all lines of inquiry and for the public to come forward and co- operate.”
His 43- year- old mother, who flanked Mr Jacques, had also pleaded her son’s innocence in an earlier Facebook post.
She said: “I love you and behind your innocence all the way. Hang in there, my beautiful boy. I know you can’t read this, baby. Please stay strong.
“You have many, many messages sending their thoughts. We know you would never be capable of such a horrible, horrific act.
“We will fight this and hopefully someone that knows the truth will come forward and tell the truth or live the rest of their lives knowing they let an innocent boy go away for something he didn’t do. There’s a lot that doesn’t add up, statements were not taken from people that could give times and places you were and CCTV wasn’t taken either.”
The judge remanded Foster in custody until today when he will appear before Reading Crown Court.
He was charged on Monday evening after PC Harper’s Thames Valley Police colleagues were granted an extra 24 hours to question 10 suspects. The remaining nine, aged 13 to 30 – with Foster arrested shortly after last Thursday’s incident – were bailed until September 13.
On Monday, Lissie, also 28, paid a heartbreaking tribute to “the kindest, loveliest, most selfless” person she had married and lost.
“There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a tribute for you but noone deserves it more,” she said. “We had so many plans for the future, you wanted to do it all. My darling boy I do
not know how I will be able to survive without you. I want to be angry that your job took you away from us but I know you loved it and always wanted to keep everyone safe, especially me.
“My heart is broken without you my sweetheart but, my God, I feel so lucky that it was me you chose to share your amazing life with.
“Although we were married for only 28 days before you were cruelly taken away from me, my husband you were perfect.” Her open letter went on: “Anyone who was lucky enough to meet you, whether they knew you as Andrew, Andy, Uncle Mann, Harps or PC Harper – to everyone you are a hero.
“You had the best sense of humour and never took life too seriously. You treasured every moment and always had a smile on your face.”
PC Harper, a traffic officer who had been in the force for eight years, was also honoured by colleagues at the spot where he was fatally wounded. Another officer, PC Gareth Phillips – seriously injured during a separate attack in Birmingham earlier this month – also sent his prayers to PC Harper’s family.
A fundraising page set up to support the dead officer’s family has raised more than £ 183,000, and a page he set up to raise money for children with cancer has received donations worth £ 22,000.