THREE teenagers accused of the murder of PC Andrew Harper have appeared in court today.
The Thames Valley Police officer was killed on August 15 near the village of Sulhamstead.
READ MORE: PC Andrew Harper: Police reveal cause of death following Reading murder investigation
The 28-year-old died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van, four weeks after his wedding.
His widow Lissie Harper described him as "unfailingly kind, a gentle giant with a heart of gold".
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.
A fourth defendant, Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, is accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
Three of the defendants appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from custody while King was in the dock before Mr Justice Edis.
During the hearing, King pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal on or before August 15.
He was granted bail until his sentencing at the conclusion of the trial of the other defendants.
One of the 17-year-olds, wearing a grey tracksuit and large crucifix, entered not guilty pleas to manslaughter and conspiracy to steal.
He was not asked to enter pleas to the further charge of murder.
A further plea hearing for Long and the other 17-year-old was fixed for January 7.
A six-week trial has been fixed at the Old Bailey to start on March 9.
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