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Former US spy Anne Sacoolas to be sentenced for killing teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn outside air base | UK News


The former US spy who killed teenager Harry Dunn will be sentenced in an “unprecedented” case at the Old Bailey after his parents struggled for three years of “torture” to get justice.

Anne Sacoolas left the UK in August 2019 – claiming diplomatic immunity following a fatal crash outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire.

The 45-year-old American woman was driving in the opposite direction when she hit 19-year-old Harry, who was riding a motorbike in the opposite direction.

After years of legal wrangling and advocacy by Harry’s family, Sacoolas pleaded guilty to causing his death by careless driving via video link from Washington DC.

Despite his family’s wishes for her to attend the sentencing hearing in London, the US government refused to allow her to go out to face justice.

The family said they were “appalled” when Washington instructed Sacoolas to attend the trial remotely and accused the Americans of “actively interfering” in British justice.

Harry’s father, Tim Dunn, told Sky News: “I think if you actually told our story to someone who didn’t know[it]they wouldn’t believe some of the stuff we had… That horrible night in the hospital.

“It’s worth all the heartache and pain to prove that ordinary people from Northamptonshire can take these people in and do what should be done immediately and get justice.”

Initially, Sacoolas was described as “a diplomat’s wife” but it was later reported that she was working for a US intelligence agency at the time of the accident.

Two months after the collision, the family was invited to the White House and met with then-President Donald Trump, who secretly arranged for Anne Sacoolas to meet them in the Oval Office.

The parents didn’t know it was going to happen and refused to make the photo call Mr. Trump had hoped for.

Harry Dunn's family (left to right) father Tim Dunn, stepmother Tracey Dunn, mother Charlotte Charles and stepfather Bruce Charles pose for a photo outside the Old Bailey in London in October 2022
Picture:
Harry’s father is Tim Dunn, stepmother Tracey Dunn, mother Charlotte Charles and stepfather Bruce Charles

Even as Sacoolas prepared to see them again, Harry’s parents told Sky News they really didn’t want to talk to her.

Harry’s mother, Charlotte Charles, said: “You never say never, but I don’t think there’s a chance for that.

“It’s a bit late. She’s had three years.”

Tim, Harry’s father, added: “Honestly, I didn’t feel the need to see her. I had nothing to say to her.”

Both their parents and wider family suffer as they await justice, while they feel no one has the authority to side with them.

“The consequences are just burnout that you can’t even begin to describe,” says Charlotte.

“It’s a total torture. It’s not an exhaustion that you can go to bed and fall asleep.”

The end of the UK case marks a big moment for the family – but they are still awaiting Harry’s investigation, which can only begin once the criminal proceedings are over.

There were days when it would have been easier to give up, but eventually their son’s killer will be sentenced in London with the judge’s comments to be televised.

It was the moment of fulfilling the promise they had made to their dying son that the driver responsible would not evade justice.

Charlotte added: “We’re fine, we’re happy with what we’ve achieved. Now it’s done.”

Careless driving carries a maximum sentence of five years in the UK but community service or suspended prison sentences are often given.

Nick Vamos, former head of extradition at the Crown Prosecution Service, said appearing via video link from the US was a way of “evading extradition laws”.

He added: “From start to finish that the defendant has never set foot in this country, let alone the courtroom, is unprecedented.”

The judge is expected to clarify in court on how to serve any sentence Ms. Sacoolas receives, with the defendant remaining in the US and voluntarily participating in the proceedings.

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