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Harry Dunn case: ‘virtual’ trial looking unlikely

Anne Sacoolas continues to live freely in the US even though she is accused of a serious crime by the UK prosecution authority

The prospect for prosecuting a former US intelligence officer accused of killing Northamptonshire teenager, Harry Dunn, is looking more remote than ever.

Hopes were raised in September that a “virtual” trial could be arranged, whereby the accused, Anne Sacoolas, would be tried remotely, meaning she would not have to return to the UK.

But an East Midlands prosecutor has poured cold water on those plans on the grounds that justice would not be served with a remote trial, where Sacoolas remains in the safety and comfort of her native US.

Janine Smith has reportedly told representatives of Dunn’s family that a remote trial equates to Sacoolas neither surrendering to the court nor accepting the court’s powers.

According to Smith, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS – the UK’s prosecuting authority) believes there is no other way for Sacoolas to surrender “apart from … physically returning to the jurisdiction [the UK]”.

And in yet another blow to the Dunn family, prosecutor Smith has revealed that an extradition request for Sacoolas – which was rejected by the US State Department in January – has now lapsed.

Smith added that if the Dunn family was to prevail in its court battle over the diplomatic immunity extended to Sacoolas, the CPS “may be able to consider making a further request for extradition”.

Sacoolas, who is married to a serving US spy, killed Harry by crashing onto his motorbike outside RAF Crouhgton, which houses a large US spy base. She was driving on the wrong side of the road at the time.

She subsequently falsely claimed diplomatic immunity and fled the UK, in part aided by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

Last December, the CPS charged Sacoolas with causing death by dangerous driving, a crime that can attract a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Despite the official charge, the US government has steadfastly refused to extradite Sacoolas to the UK.

 

 

 


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