CPS to pursue case against Harry Dunn killer despite ruling
The CPS has told Harry Dunn’s parents it will continue to pursue the prosecution of Anne Sacoolas despite diplomatic immunity claims
THE Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed that it will still continue to work at prosecuting the driver of the car that struck Harry Dunn, in spite of the high court ruling she had diplomatic immunity.
The news comes after the chief crown prosecutor for the East Midlands, Janine Smith wrote to Harry’s family to confirm her thoughts. In the letter, Smith claimed there is still “sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction”.
The letter goes some way to prove that the CPS still believes that Sacoolas was not entitled to the diplomatic immunity she used to flee the UK - a view that seems distinctly juxtaposed to that of the high court. They, backed by the Home Office, are of the opinion that the US national was entitled to immunity from prosecution.
Sacoolas has admitted to being behind the wheel of the car, which was on the wrong side of the road, at the time of the crash that took Harry’s life. She was originally charged with causing death by dangerous driving at the time of the crash, although soon after she fled the UK on a US Air Force flight.
The entrance to the air force base where the crash took place
In Smith’s letter to Harry’s parents, seen by the PA news agency, she said:
“I wanted to take the opportunity to provide an update following our consideration of the recent high court judgment.
“Having considered the judgment, and notwithstanding the outcome in respect of diplomatic immunity, 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.
“I do hope this confirmation is of some small comfort to Harry‘s family and friends at this challenging time of the year.”
Speaking about the news, Harry’s mum, 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.
“Our pain is raw and real and we need to get this done sooner rather than later.
“In our darkest hour we know we can continue to count on the CPS to continue to do their job. We would be nowhere without them.”
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
