A new memorial stone was unveiled in Reading on Thursday 23 April 2026 to honour Police Constable Andrew Harper, who died in the line of duty.
The tribute is located in Forbury Gardens, positioned outside the Reading Crown Court. It marks the 61st memorial to be installed by the Police Memorial Trust, an independent charity originally established by the late film producer Michael Winner.
PC Harper, aged 28, was killed on 15 August 2019 near Sulhamstead, Berkshire, while responding to a report of a quad bike theft. During the incident, he was dragged for a mile by a vehicle involved in the crime. Three teenagers were later convicted of manslaughter: Henry Long received a 16-year sentence, while Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were each sentenced to 13 years.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by the officer’s widow, Lissie Harper, alongside Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg and the chair of the memorial trust, Geraldine Winner. Mrs. Harper previously led a campaign for legislative change following the incident, which resulted in the introduction of Harper’s Law. This measure, part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, established mandatory life sentences for anyone who kills an emergency worker while committing another crime.
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