The widow of a police officer who was tragically killed while on duty has shared the profound impact of that moment as she revealed a new memorial in his honor. PC Andrew Harper, aged 28, lost his life on August 15, 2019, when he was pulled along the road by fleeing criminals during an incident in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.
Scheduled to start his honeymoon with his wife Lissie that day, PC Harper’s life was cut short. Three teenagers were found guilty of his manslaughter in July 2020, leading to tougher penalties for crimes against emergency service personnel.
During the unveiling of a memorial stone in Reading by the Police Memorial Trust, Mrs. Harper paid a touching tribute to her late husband. She expressed how her world changed forever in 2019, losing not just a hero but her life partner, source of strength, and first love. Mrs. Harper emphasized that PC Harper epitomized the qualities of a dedicated police officer and shared the impact he had on her life.
PC Harper met a tragic fate after getting entangled in a strap connected to a car and dragged along a rural road by three teenage suspects fleeing a burglary scene. Following the incident, Mrs. Harper campaigned successfully for Harper’s Law, ensuring stricter punishment for those who harm emergency workers on duty.
Recognized for her advocacy, Mrs. Harper was awarded an MBE in 2022 for her support to victims of violent crimes and their families. Chief Constable Jason Hogg of Thames Valley Police, present at the memorial ceremony, recalled the shock of PC Harper’s untimely death and highlighted the constant risk faced by officers in the line of duty.
The memorial stone serves as a place of remembrance for PC Harper’s colleagues, a lasting tribute for his family, and a reminder to the community of the sacrifices made by those who ensure public safety. The individuals responsible for PC Harper’s death, including Henry Long, Jessie Cole, and Albert Bowers, were sentenced for their roles in the tragic incident.
Harper’s Law, a part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act, mandates life sentences for individuals convicted of manslaughter of emergency workers such as police officers, prison guards, firefighters, and paramedics. This law, however, does not apply retroactively to PC Harper’s case or his perpetrators.
