We were treated like dirt, say Harry family
THE family of Harry Dunn have accused the US and British governments of treating them like “dirt at the bottom of your shoes”.
Tim Dunn and Charlotte Charles, whose son Harry died in August, said condolences from the authorities during the past three months, which have included going to the White House, were “nothing but empty words”.
Anne Sacoolas, the wife of an American intelligence officer, is believed to have been driving on the wrong side of the road when she hit 19-year-old Harry’s motorbike outside RAF Croughton on August 27.
Mrs Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity after the incident and returned to the US, sparking an international controversy. In an open letter the parents said they wished no ill will on Mrs Sacoolas as they called on her to return to face the consequences.
Their anger was reserved for the US and UK governments for letting her escape justice, saying the “subsequent treatment of us has been nothing short of disgusting”. The family have begun legal proceedings in the UK and are about to start them in the US.
In the letter, Harry’s parents thanked supporters as they said they have “shut down emotionally and just can’t grieve” as they try to get justice for the “popular and outgoing” teenager. Yet their “misery has been compounded by the conduct of every single government agency we have come across”.
The letter said: “You have treated us like we are dirt on the bottom of your shoes and we simply do not understand why.
“We have been law-abiding citizens all our lives, as was Harry, and we do not deserve this.
“Anne Sacoolas should never have been allowed to leave and you robbed us of our right to seek justice.”
Northamptonshire Police, who were not told Mrs Sacoolas had left the UK, have handed evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service after interviewing the 42-year-old in the US. A decision on charges has not been made.