Harry Dunn's mother 'distraught' after crash suspect filmed behind the wheel

14 December 2019, 18:58

Charlotte Charles spoke about her frustration with the case
Charlotte Charles spoke about her frustration with the case. Picture: PA Images
Ewan Quayle

By Ewan Quayle

Harry Dunn's mother has said she is "distraught" after the American suspect in the crash that killed him was filmed back behind the wheel.

The 19-year-old died after his motorbike was involved in a head-on collision with a car outside RAF Croughton, Northamptonshire in August.

Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US technical intelligence officer, claimed diplomatic immunity and was able to return to America, prompting anger from Mr Dunn's family and friends.

She is a suspect in the investigation, but refused to answer questions as she was filmed by ITV News reversing her car out of a driveway before pulling away.

Harry's mother, Charlotte Charles, was left in tears after viewing the footage and told the broadcaster: "(I'm) distraught to be honest.

"She's clearly just going about her normal day, driving and taking the kids to school.

"She looks well, she looks calm, the house is all decorated with Christmas stuff - candy canes on the driveway, lights around the tree.

"She's just going about doing whatever she would usually do as though nothing's ever happened.

"Her life looks so normal and she's completely wrecked ours."

Harry Dunn was struck by a vehicle leaving RAF Croughton
Harry Dunn was struck by a vehicle leaving RAF Croughton. Picture: PA Images

Mrs Charles is in the US with Harry's stepfather, Bruce Charles, and father, Tim Dunn, to press for Mrs Sacoolas' extradition.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was handed an evidence file in November after Northamptonshire Police interviewed Mrs Sacoolas in the US.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Janine Smith has previously said she will meet with Harry's family once a charging decision has been made, but the family has spoken of their frustration at the length of time the decision is taking.

The family's lawyer, Radd Seiger, said: "I once again now call on the CPS to do what they should have done weeks ago, which is to charge her with causing death by dangerous driving and to have her extradited without any further delay.

"There is no legal basis for her to avoid justice, and frankly, morally as well, everyone around the world now knows what needs to happen. The very rule of law, and the need to uphold and it being seen to do so, is at stake."