Teenagers go on trial for the murder of PC Harper
JURORS were told of PC Andrew Harper’s “bravery” as the retrial of three teenagers accused of his murder began yesterday.
Potential jurors were told the case was of the “utmost importance” before they are slimmed from 17 down to 14 for today’s prosecution opening at the Old Bailey.
The previous trial over PC Harper’s death, which started in February, could not be finished due to the coronavirus lockdown – and some jurors had to be discharged because they were self-isolating.
The officer died after being dragged along a country lane in Berkshire by a car driven by Henry Long, 19, with passengers Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both 18.
The Thames Valley officer, 28, was pursuing the teenagers as they made off with a stolen quad bike towed behind the vehicle in Bradfield Southend, Berks, the judge said.
Mr Justice Edis said: “The case we’re about to start is of the utmost importance. In it the prosecution allege that three young men murdered a young police officer.
“He died when he was dragged along the road in Berkshire, by a car which Henry Long, one of the defendants, was driving. Albert
Bowers and Jessie Cole were also in that car.
“Each defendant denies murder and I’m sure you’ll readily understand why it is important this trial takes place.” He added: “Henry Long has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and all three defendants have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conceal the quad. [Long] denies intending to cause any harm to PC Harper.
“Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole deny they ever intended to cause any harm to PC Harper.” He went on: “You will inevitably feel admiration for [PC Harper’s] bravery and intense sadness for him and all those affected by his loss.”
The trio were dressed smartly in the dock, supported by four relatives who sat in the public gallery.
Mr Justice Edis said that arrangements had been made to accommodate social distancing within the Public Health England guidelines.
Lawyers will sit in the jury box while jurors will sit directly before the judge.
Bowers and Long, both of Mortimer, near Reading, and Cole, from Bramley, Hampshire, all deny murdering PC Harper on August 15, 2019.
They will appear via video-link for the rest of the trial with Jonathan Laidlaw, QC, opening the case for the prosecution today.