Harry Dunn death suspect's absence from UK 'will not stop investigation' say police

22 October 2019, 11:45

Police investigating the death of Harry Dunn will fly to the US to interview suspect Anne Sacoolas under caution – but say her absence from the UK will “not stop” their investigation.

Northamptonshire Police chief constable Nick Adderley said today that the suspect had asked “to be personally interviewed by officers from Northamptonshire Police in order for them to see her and the devastation this has caused her and her family.”

Harry, 19, was killed when his motorbike was involved in a head-on collision outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August.

Mrs Sacoolas returned to the US after she was given diplomatic immunity because of her husband’s role in the intelligence service.

On Tuesday, Chief Constable Adderley said: “This investigation has not stalled, it has not slowed down.

"The suspect not being in the county clearly frustrates the investigation but it does not stop it.

"Lawyers have clearly stated that the suspect wants to be personally interviewed by officers from Northamptonshire Police in order for them to see her and the devastation this has caused her and her family.

"She did not want to provide a pre-prepared statement which is her right to do so. We do understand from colleagues in the US that the family is utterly devastated."

He added that the force were awaiting the necessary visas before officers could travel to the US, but that the suspect would be interviewed under caution once that could take place.

Mr Adderley added: "A file of evidence has been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service but as you will appreciate that file is incomplete - you can't complete the file until you have an account from the suspect and that is one of the reasons why we are not naming her.

"From the police's point of view we have to make sure we maintain the integrity of all of the evidence and that it is not skewed by [the diplomatic immunity debate] to ensure a fair trial should we get to an extradition position and she comes back to the UK.

"We don't want to jeopardise that by not affording her a fair trial."

Mr Adderley refused to reveal how the Dunn family had learned the suspect had left the UK, but said it had not been a leak from Northamptonshire Police or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

"It was unfortunate but it was legitimate", he said.