Harry Dunn killer could face virtual trial, family is told
THE American accused of killing teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn could be tried virtually or in her absence, it emerged yesterday.
Anne Sacoolas, 42, flew back to her homeland after claiming diplomatic immunity in the aftermath of a head-on collision that claimed the 19-year-old’s life.
She was on the wrong side of the road when the crash took place seconds after she emerged from the US air base in Northamptonshire
where her husband was stationed. Washington has refused to extradite the mother of three to face a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
The Dunn family’s MP, Andrea Leadsom, wrote to ministers earlier this month asking for them to consider the possibility of Mrs Sacoolas standing trial from near her Virginia home. Robert Buckland, the Lord
Chancellor, has replied to reveal that Attorney General Suella Braverman is examining whether to hold a trial virtually or in absentia. The development emerged ahead of the first anniversary of Harry’s death tomorrow.
In the letter to Mrs Leadsom, Mr Buckland added: ‘I quite understand how important it must be to Harry’s family, as the anniversary of his death approaches, to achieve some sort of closure.
‘The suggestions you put forward for resolving the impasse by holding a trial virtually or in absentia are as you know being considered by the Attorney General.’
Sacoolas is the wife of an intelligence official and is also believed to be a former CIA officer, although she was not on active duty in the UK.
There was an international outcry when it emerged Mrs Sacoolas had been allowed to fly back to the USA last September before she had given police a formal statement.
She was charged with causing death by dangerous driving in December but an extradi
‘Some sort of closure’
tion request was rejected by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo – a decision later described by the US State Department as final.
Her US lawyer has described the collision between her Volvo SUV and Harry’s motorcycle as a ‘tragic accident’.
Harry’s mother, Charlotte Charles from Charlton in Northants, said: ‘I can’t believe how cruel the US government are being. We all know what their position would be if this had happened to any of their children.’