News / Foreign Policy

CPS revives hope of Anne Sacoolas prosecution in Harry Dunn case

Sunday, 20 December 2020 6:32 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 20 December 2020 6:32 PM ]

Harry's mother Charlotte Charles is spearheading the effort o bring former US spy Anne Sacoolas to justice

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS – the UK’s prosecuting authority) has raised hopes that a successful prosecution of fugitive Anne Sacoolas may be possible after all.

The CPS has said there is now a “realistic prospect of conviction” for Harry Dunn’s killer.

The CPS’s statement is in stark contrast to a High Court ruling in late November that said Sacoolas enjoyed diplomatic immunity at the time of Harry’s death.

Harry Dunn parents lose High Court appeal over Scoolas diplomatic immunity

Despite losing at the High Court Harry

Harry, 19, was killed in August 2019 after former US spy, Sacoolas, crashed into his motorbike outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire, which houses a US spy base.

Sacoolas was driving on the wrong side of the road at the time.

Sacoolas, who is married to a serving US spy formerly based at RAF Croughton, subsequently evaded justice by claiming diplomatic immunity and fleeing the UK.

Harry Dunn case: ‘virtual’ trial looking unlikely

A local prosecutor appears to have dismissed the possibility of subjecting the woman accused of killing Harry Dunn to a remote trial from the US.

In December 2019, the CPS charged the US fugitive with causing death by dangerous driving, an offense which can attract a 14-year custodial sentence.

However, Sacoolas steadfastly refuses to return to the UK, a decision that is fully supported by the US State Department.

US continues to display arrogance in Harry Dunn case

The US State Department has all but ruled out extraditing the woman charged with the tragic death of young Harry Dunn.

The East Midlands chief crown prosecutor, Janine Smith, has now written to Harry’s family to clarify the CPS’s position on the issue, especially in relation to the High Court ruling a couple of months ago.

The letter says: “Having considered the judgment, and notwithstanding the outcome in respect of diplomatic immunity [i.e. High Court ruling], I am satisfied that there remains sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that it remains in the public interest for the prosecution to continue”.

"The CPS remains of the view that Mrs Sacoolas should return to the UK to stand trial”, Smith added.

Reacting to the CPS’ decision, Harry’s mother, Charlotte Charles, said: "My family and I are really pleased to see this letter from the CPS”.

"We are approaching our second Christmas without Harry and without justice for Harry”, she added.

Previously, Harry’s mother had expressed hope that the incoming Joe Biden Administration in the US will force a breakthrough in a case that has undermined the British public’s confidence in the UK-US strategic partnership.