Footage shows two teenagers who dragged PC Andrew Harper to his death laughing as they left court after an earlier hearing. 

The video, recorded by the BBC, shows Albert Bowers, of Moat Close, Bramley, and Jessie Cole, of Paices Hill near Reading, smiling and grinning. 

The police officer died from serious injuries after he became caught in a strap trailing behind a car driven by Henry Long, in August 2019.

The policeman had been investigating a stolen quadbike. 

Earlier today, Long - described as furious driver who threatened to “ram” the police - was cleared of murdering a brave officer who was killed as he tried to catch him and his thieving accomplices.

But Henry Long, 19, and his passengers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 18, who were determined to escape “at all costs” after stealing a quad bike in Berkshire, are facing years in jail for manslaughter.

Newlywed Pc Andrew Harper, 28, became entangled in a tow rope attached to their Seat Toledo as he tried to apprehend them.

Long drove off at “breakneck” speed, dragging the Thames Valley Police officer for more than a mile along country lanes before he was dislodged, having suffered horrific injuries.

The teenagers admitted plotting the theft and Long pleaded guilty to manslaughter but each denied knowing that Pc Harper was there.

Basingstoke Gazette:

All three were cleared of murder by an Old Bailey jury which had deliberated for more than 12 hours, but Cole and Bowers were found guilty of manslaughter.

From left, driver Henry Long, 19, who dragged Pc Andrew Harper to his death, who has been found not guilty at the Old Bailey of murder but had earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter and his passengers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 18, who were cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter (Thames Valley Police/PA)

Their defence claimed the incident was a “freak event” that none of them could have planned or foreseen.

But the prosecution said at more than 6ft and weighing 14 stone, the defendants must have been aware Pc Harper was being dragged to his death.

A reconstruction suggested that rather than stopping, Long swerved in the road to try to throw him off.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Jurors also saw dashcam footage that appeared to catch the moment Cole turned towards the officer before diving through the window of the getaway car and making good his escape.

The Seat Toledo with tow rope and the police car in a similar position at the site of the meeting of the vehicles during the Old Bailey jury site visit (Steve Parsons/PA)

Pc Harper’s tearful widow Lissie was comforted by other family members in court as the verdicts at the Old Bailey were delivered.

Mr Justice Edis adjourned sentence until next Friday.

Basingstoke Gazette:

It can now be reported that Long had previously threatened to “ram” a police officer as he chatted with a police community support officer (PCSO).

In the conversation in July 2018, ruled inadmissible during the trial, Long said: “You can’t touch me now ‘cos I’ve passed my driving test and if police try to stop me I will ram them.”

Long had previous convictions for battery, being drunk and disorderly and shoplifting.