Foreign Office faces inquiry over its handling of Harry Dunn case

Ottilie Mitchell & Martin Heath
Reporting from Northamptonshire, BBC News

The family of Harry Dunn, who tragically died in a collision outside a US military base in the UK, has announced that an inquiry into the Foreign Office’s handling of the case will commence in the coming weeks. Harry Dunn, 19, lost his life when his motorcycle was struck by a car driven on the wrong side of the road by Anne Sacoolas at RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in 2019. Following the incident, Sacoolas left the country, claiming diplomatic immunity from prosecution.

Charlotte Charles, Mr. Dunn’s mother, has expressed gratitude for the initiation of the inquiry, referring to it as a positive step. The family has repeatedly criticized the responses of both the US and UK governments regarding the case. Ms. Charles emphasized the importance of the inquiry being an impartial search for truth, aiming to prevent other families from experiencing the same ordeal. She stressed that no bereaved family should endure the treatment they have faced.

Sacoolas pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving in 2022 and received an eight-month suspended jail term. The family condemns the UK government’s decision to allow her to leave the country after the incident and disapprove of the advice given concerning immunity. Ms. Charles recounted that the behavior of the UK government at the time was disrespectful, harsh, and lacked meaningful engagement with the family. Family members held discussions with Foreign Office officials and were informed that the inquiry would be overseen by former chief inspector of prisons, Dame Anne Owers. It is clarified that the review will not address the involvement of the US government or issues addressed in prior court proceedings.

The announcement of the review closely follows the release of an independent report scrutinizing the actions of Northamptonshire Police in handling the investigation. The report concluded that, despite Sacoolas being in a state of shock, law enforcement could have and should have arrested her following the collision. Northamptonshire Police has issued an apology, acknowledging their failure to advocate for the victim appropriately. As of now, the Foreign Office has refrained from providing any comments on the matter

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