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Anne Sacoolas To Face UK Court Over Death Of Harry Dunn

Anne Sacoolas To Face UK Court Over Death Of Harry Dunn

The teenager died after being struck by a car outside a US military base in Northamptonshire

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Anne Sacoolas is to face the UK court over the death of Harry Dunn.

The 19-year-old was killed after being struck by a vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road outside a US military base in Northamptonshire on 27 August, 2019.

Ms Sacoolas, 44, has now been accused of killing the teenager and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Speaking about the decision, Mr Dunn's mother, Charlotte Charles, said it was an incredibly emotional moment.

She told PA: "My family and I are feeling very emotional and overwhelmed, having just learned the news that Mrs Sacoolas is now to face our justice system.

"It is all that we asked for following Harry's death."

Harry Dunn died after being struck by a car driving on the wrong side of the road in 2019.
Justice4Harry19

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said: "While the challenges and complexity of this case are well known, we remain committed to securing justice in this matter.

"The case will be heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 18 January.

"Anne 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."

The case will be heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 18 January, with Ms Sacoolas due to appear via video link.

Mr Dunn's family have been fighting for this case since the death of their son, however, Ms Sacoolas was entitled to diplomatic immunity at the time and left for the US almost three weeks after the incident.

Harry Dunn's parents Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn.
PA

An extradition request was submitted by the Home Office but was rejected by the US State Department in January 2020.

Back in September this year, it was announced that Mr Dunn's family had 'resolved' its damages case following civil proceedings in the US.

The Dunn family were advised that, although there could be no criminal proceedings in the US, they could bring a civil claim for damages against Sacoolas as her immunity was no longer valid when she returned to her home country.

Lawyers acting on behalf of Anne and Jonathan Sacoolas had attempted to throw the case out on the grounds it should be heard in the UK, despite admitting she would not agree to face trial due to a 'concern' she would not 'receive fair treatment'.

Judge Thomas Ellis dismissed Sacoolas's submissions that the UK was a 'more convenient' forum, keeping the case in Virginia - describing the motion as 'not warranted'.

The teenager was killed on a stretch of road near RAF Croughton.
PA

Harry's parents, Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn, then flew out to the US to give evidence under oath as part of the 'discovery' process.

In his judgment which threw out Sacoolas's motion to dismiss the claim, Judge Ellis said: "While it is commendable that defendant Anne Sacoolas admits that she was negligent and that her negligence caused Harry Dunn's death, this does not equate acceptance of responsibility.

"Full acceptance of responsibility entails facing those harmed by her negligence and taking responsibility for her acts where they occurred, in the United Kingdom."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: US News, crime, Politics, court