Jed Foster, 20, with murder and the theft of a quad bike.
“We will offer to meet with PC Harper’s family to explain the basis of the decision we have made following
a lengthy review of the evidence available. May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against
Mr Foster are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be
no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these
proceedings.”
PC Harper attended a reported break-in with a fellow officer in Sulhamstead at about 23:30 BST on
Thursday. A post-mortem examination concluded that he died of multiple injuries. He had married his wife
Lissie just four weeks before his death.
Minutes after the charges were announced, Lissie Harper issued a statement addressed “to my best friend
... The kindest, loveliest, most selfless person you will ever meet.”
She said: “You were brave, funny, and always there for anyone who needed it. There is not enough paper in
the world to even begin to write a tribute for you, but no one deserves it more. We had so many plans for
the future, you wanted to do it all. My darling boy I do not know how I will be able to survive without you.
“Anyone who was lucky enough to meet you, whether they knew you as Andrew, Andy, Uncle Mann,
Harps or PC Harper ... To everyone you are a hero. You had the best sense of humour and never took life
too seriously. You treasured every moment and always had a smile on your face. I want to be angry that your
job took you away from us but I know you loved it and always wanted to keep everyone safe, especially me.
You went the extra mile whenever you could and genuinely cared for everyone.
“The lights have dimmed on all of our lives now that you are no longer here, but it’s no surprise that even
when you’re gone, you’re still keeping us all going, knowing that you would tell us to carry on and stay
strong. I can’t begin to imagine a life without your silly jokes, size 14 feet, large appetite, big hugs, Sunday
roasts, and never faltering positive attitude. You kept me going if I was down and took care of us all until the
last.
“Although we were married for only 28 days before you were cruelly taken away from me, my husband you
were perfect. I will never ever stop loving you and I feel so grateful for the happiest thirteen years of my
life. Our superman, our bodyguard, our light in the dark. My god we will miss you. Forever you will be
remembered as the best of us. I will carry your love with me always. Your loving wife, Lissie x.”