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PC Andrew Harper's widow unveils 'hero' memorial
TL;DR
A memorial for PC Andrew Harper, who died on duty in 2019, has been unveiled by his widow, Lissie Harper. His death prompted tougher sentences for those who harm emergency workers.
Key points
- PC Andrew Harper died on duty in 2019
- He was dragged by a car while confronting thieves
- Three teenagers received 13 to 16 years for manslaughter
- His widow unveiled a memorial in Reading
- His death prompted tougher sentences for harming emergency workers
Mentioned in this story
PC Andrew HarperLissie HarperSulhamsteadReading
A memorial to a police officer, whose death on duty led to tougher sentences for the killers of emergency workers, has been unveiled by his widow.
PC Andrew Harper was dragged for a mile by a tow rope loop on a fleeing car after confronting quad bike thieves in a country lane near Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in 2019.
Three teenagers later received custodial sentences of between 13 and 16 years for manslaughter.
His widow Lissie Harper told an unveiling ceremony in Reading: "The world lost a hero, but I lost the person I was meant to grow old with."
Mrs Harper, who was married for just 28 days before his death, added: "He was proud to serve as a police officer, but to me he was so much more.
"He was my partner, my strength and my first love.
"I hope that those who walk these streets will take a moment to pause, to pay their respects and to know that he made our world a safer place."
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg and Geraldine Winner, widow of the late filmmaker Michael who founded the trust, attended the ceremony.
The trust's 61st memorial, a 1.2m (4ft) tribute opposite Reading Crown Court, is carved mainly in Portland Stone with gold lettering.
In 2022, the family's campaign for Harper's Law led to mandatory life sentences for people who kill emergency workers on duty.
"He was funny, he was a good team member, and we had good times," said Det Sgt Edward Crofts, a colleague and friend of Harper.
He said he was "very, very much missed" and he hoped that when the public saw the memorial they appreciated "that we do our absolute best and there's some very hard working officers out there and a nod of respect as they walk past would go a long way".
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Q&A
What happened to PC Andrew Harper?
PC Andrew Harper was killed while confronting quad bike thieves in 2019 when he was dragged by a car for a mile.
What sentences did the teenagers involved in PC Harper's death receive?
Three teenagers received custodial sentences ranging from 13 to 16 years for manslaughter in connection with PC Harper's death.
Why is PC Andrew Harper's memorial significant?
The memorial is significant as it honors a police officer whose death led to tougher legal penalties for those who attack emergency workers.
