Dunn family will re-attempt to have Sacoolas extradited

MINISTERS will face demands for the extradition of Anne Sacoolas, the alleged killer of teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn, unless lawyers can unlock a stalemate over bringing the American to trial.

Supporters of the Dunn family will call for her extradition if plans for a criminal trial by video-link in the UK have not been agreed by Aug 27, the third anniversary of 19-year-old Dunn’s death.

The Crown Prosecution Service is said to be close to agreement with her lawyers after she pulled out of a videolink appearance before UK magistrates in January but has yet to strike a deal.

The sticking point has been her request for assurances she would not be jailed, according to legal sources.

Ms Sacoolas faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving after claims that her car collided with Dunn’s motorcycle when she was on the wrong side of the road near RAF Croughton in Northants. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in jail.

“The US are asking the impossible of UK prosecutors and the legal system,” said Mark Stephens, the lawyer who previously represented the family. “You cannot prejudge a trial.”

Ms Sacoolas would also be expected to serve the beginning of her sentence in the UK, which is understood to be another sticking point.

“If there is still no agreement by the third anniversary, everyone is primed to resubmit the extradition request,” said a political source.

The Dunn family and lawyers for Ms Sacoolas declined to comment. Government sources would only refer back to a previous CPS statement that said: “Mrs Sacoolas has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice any proceedings.”