Cop Killer Worked as Tree Surgeon Weeks Before Tragedy

Jessie Cole, the 18-year-old convicted of manslaughter in the death of PC Andrew Harper, was working as a tree surgeon on the Isle of Wight just weeks before the fatal incident last August, it has emerged.

Three Travellers Charged in PC Harper’s Death

Cole, along with Henry Long and Albert Bowers — all travellers — were accused of murdering 28-year-old PC Harper in August 2019. However, this week they were found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

PC Harper Dragged to Death During Quad Bike Theft

PC Harper was trying to stop the trio from stealing a quad bike when his ankles got caught in a tow rope. He was dragged for a mile behind the getaway car and died at the roadside after being found by Thames Valley Police colleagues.

Young Killer’s Troubled Past Revealed

Cole, who has been seen laughing as he was led into court, left school at 14 and is illiterate. He lived with his mum in Hampshire but occasionally stayed with his father, helping him as a tree surgeon in Reading, Basingstoke, and the Isle of Wight.

The trio will be sentenced next week.

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