THE mum of a man accused of murdering PC Andrew Harper feels like she’s “won the lottery” after the charges against him were dropped.
Jed Foster, 20, is due to walk free after prosecutors dropped the murder charge and a second offence of theft against him yesterday.
PC Harper was allegedly dragged to his death by a burglary getaway van in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, on August 15.
Foster’s mum Joelene Hannington today posted about the decision on Facebook alongside a picture of a Superman teddy bear she took to court with her to support her son.
She wrote: “I feel like I’ve won the lottery, my baby is coming home. I can’t thank you at once for you messages and support. Can’t wait hug you so tight jedders.”
It comes after Foster’s sister Cheyanne also threw her support behind him, previously writing: “We will not give in until we have fought this injustice! You are not alone and we will not be silenced!!!
“And to anyone that has any information please come forward he is innocent and there is missing information! And just because someone has been charged it does not make them guilty.”
COP DEATH
She later added: “I will not give up on you. I will not stop until they have charged and found the right people guilty.
“Hold it out bubba we will bring you home if it’s the last thing I do!”
PC Harper, 28, who had just married his sweetheart Lissie, was killed at a road junction with the A4 days before he was due to go on honeymoon to Australia.
He was the first policeman to be killed since PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death during the Westminster terror attack in 2017.
PC Harper, who joined the force as a special constable in 2010, worked for the Roads Policing Proactive Unit.
HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES
Following her husband’s death Lissie shared a heartbreaking tribute to him, calling him “my darling boy”.
She wrote: “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.”
Three teenagers have been charged over his murder and appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court yesterday where they were remanded in custody.
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Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer in Reading, and two 17-year-olds who cannot be identified, were also accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
Thomas King, 21, has also been charged with conspiracy to steal a quad bike and has been released on conditional bail.
The charges came a day after 100 officers were involved in a series of police raids.
