Harry Dunn family fight on
American Secretary of State refuses extradition request
The family of Harry Dunn, who was killed on his motorcycle last year, are fighting on despite Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, refusing to grant an extradition request for the woman accused of causing his death. Harry was killed when riding past RAF Croughton, Northants, in August last year and it is believed Anne Sacoolas was to blame after she allegedly drove out of the base on the wrong side of the road. Despite telling the police she had no intention of leaving the country, she flew back to the US days later under the protection of diplomatic immunity. However, since she fled questions have been raised as to whether her immunity still applies, or whether she had immunity at all.
Hopes were raised for the Dunn family after the CPS charged Sacoolas late last year and subsequently applied for the right to extradite her. However the family has now been dealt a blow after Washinton refused extradition, saying that it would “render the invocation of diplomatic immunity a practical nullity”.
The Home Office has said that the decision appears to be a “denial of justice” and that they are considering their options while Reid Seiger, the Dunn family spokesman, has requested that the Prime Minister meets with them to discuss the case. Andrea Leadsom MP, whose constituency includes RAF Croughton, has said she intends to
‘The family have demanded to see the PM’
meet with the American ambassador to discuss the case.
Further reports of cars being driven on the wrong side of the road near air bases have prompted Northamptonshire Chief Constable Nick Adderley to call for action. He said: “These events cannot keep happening.” He has now requested a meeting with base chiefs to discuss how this spate of dangerous driving can be addressed.