Two teenagers, both 17, who are accused of murdering PC Andrew Harper, 28, admit plot to steal quad bike before officer was run over and killed during burglary call-out
- Teenagers attempted to steal quad bike from a home in Berkshire last year
- As they fled, Pc Andrew Harper was dragged under a car and died from injuries
- The pair pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey today to plotting to steal a quad bike
- They and Henry Long, 18, also accused of murder of Pc Harper, which they deny
Two teenagers due to go on trial for the murder of Pc Andrew Harper have admitted conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
The pair, who are both 17 and cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on Monday to plotting to steal the bike.
They and a third man, Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer, Reading, are also accused of the murder of Pc Harper, which they deny.
Long has previously admitted manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike. The two 17-year-olds deny manslaughter.
Two teenagers due to go on trial for the murder of Pc Andrew Harper today admitted conspiracy to steal a quad bike
Pc Harper had married his childhood sweetheart Lissie just one month before his death
They attempted to steal the quad bike from a home near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire on August 15 last year.
As they drove away from the property, it is alleged that 28-year-old Thames Valley officer Pc Harper was dragged under a car and suffered multiple injuries.
The case before Mr Justice Edis is due to be opened by prosecutor Brian Altman QC on Tuesday, and go on for up to six weeks.
Police officers at the scene near Ufton Lane, Sulhamstead, Berkshire, where Thames Valley Pc Andrew Harper, 28, died last August
Pc Harper died from multiple injuries when he was dragged behind a car after being called to respond to the theft of a quadbike.
A panel of 12 jurors with six alternates was chosen at the Old Bailey on Monday, ahead of the expected opening of the prosecution case on Tuesday when the jury will be sworn in.
Long has admitted manslaughter, which the younger boys deny, and all three have admitted conspiracy to steal a quadbike.
The trial is expected to last six weeks.