Could Anne Sacoolas face jail over Harry Dunn’s death?
Former CIA spook could be made to serve a sentence in the US if convicted
The US citizen accused of killing British teenager Harry Dunn in a car crash is to face criminal proceedings two years after fleeing the country and claiming diplomatic immunity.
Former US intelligence officer Anne Sacoolas has admitted that she was driving on the wrong side of the road when her car collided with motorcyclist Dunn, 19, near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August 2019.
Sacoolas, whose husband is also a CIA operative, left Britain for the US shortly afterwards.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Fleeing justice
In December 2019, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised Northamptonshire Police to charge Sacoolas with causing death by dangerous driving. But an extradition request was rejected by the US government, meaning criminal action could not begin.
However, the CPS has now said Sacoolas’s case will go before magistrates next month, with a spokesperson stating that “while the challenges and complexity of this case are well known, we remain committed to securing justice in this matter”.
There are reports that the defendant will appear via video link, but a spokesperson for the law firm representing Sacoolas told The Guardian: “While we have always been willing to discuss a virtual hearing, there is no agreement at this time.”
The Dunns said they welcomed the prospect of a court hearing in their son’s case, with his mother, Charlotte, saying the family is “emotional and overwhelmed” at “the news that Mrs Sacoolas is now to face our justice system”.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted that the government will “continue to support the family to get justice for Harry Dunn”. David Lammy, shadow foreign secretary, added in a statement that “it is right there is now a trial in this tragic case and we hope that it can move forward”.
Will she face jail?
While Sacoolas will now have to face a UK court over the events that led to Dunn’s death, it remains unclear how a sentence would be dealt with if a guilty verdict is delivered.
“If she is found guilty, the UK could seek her extradition from the US,” The Telegraph said. Legal sources have also “suggested another option could see her serve her sentence in the US”.
In March, Sacoolas’s lawyer told the Daily Mail that she would be willing to perform community service in the US and make a “contribution” in Dunn’s memory. But she also warned that “since the charge pending in Britain” would “not usually result in a prison sentence in the US, her client was not inclined to return to the UK to face trial”.
That option is now off the table following the CPS announcement, with a spokesperson for the prosecution service stating that she “has a right to a fair trial”.
The case has caused “ongoing diplomatic tensions” between the US and UK, CNN said.
Radd Seiger, a retired lawyer who advises the Dunn family, told The Times that the agreement to bring Sacoolas before a UK court was the result of “pressure that has been maintained on the US government”. The case is an illustration of “how to stand up to the might of the US government”, he added.
The Dunns’ campaign on behalf of their son included a dramatic moment in October 2019 when they met the then president, Donald Trump, at the White House.
He reportedly “ambushed” them with the news that Saccolas was in an adjacent room. However, Dunn’s parents refused the offer to meet her.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
FBI: US violent crime falls again, hits pre-Covid levels
Speed Read A wide-ranging report found that violent crime dropped 3% in the last year, while murder dropped 11.6%
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Judge rejects Trump bid to make NY case federal
Speed Read Judge Alvin Hellerstein refused Trump's motion to transfer his criminal case to federal court
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump ally Bannon reports to prison
Speed Read He will serve a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump won't testify as trial enters final phase
Speed Read Despite his public insistence on testifying, Trump's defense team called two witnesses, "neither of them the former president"
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump hush money trial: what has the jury heard?
Today's Big Question Former loyal fixer Michael Cohen proves star witness for prosecution, but Stormy Daniels's graphic testimony could offer grounds for appeal
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
New York prosecutors lay out case against Trump
Speed Read The former president's first criminal trial started in earnest Monday
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump criminal trial starts with rulings, reminder
Speed Read The first day of his historic trial over hush money payments was mostly focused on jury selection
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Mobsters jailed by Giuliani are 'thrilled' with his RICO prosecution. Former fans are sad.
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published