US working closely with UK authorities to find 'reasonable resolution' in Harry Dunn death case, ITV News understands
ITV News understands the US State Department is working closely with UK authorities to try to find a "reasonable resolution" to the impasse surrounding the Harry Dunn case.It comes after ITV News reported on Tuesday that the Attorney General here is considering the possibility of a virtual trial or trial in absentia for Anne Sacoolas.The 42-year-old wife of a US military intelligence officer was charged with causing death by dangerous driving in December three months after she returned to the US.
The developments come as Harry’s family today mark the first anniversary of the 19-year-old’s death.
Harry’s mother Charlotte told ITV News: "It’s obviously a horrendously painful time for us. We miss Harry terribly and I wouldn’t wish the pain I’m going through on anyone.
"I am heartened to see that the US administration is now working towards finding a resolution. I hope that we can achieve justice soon. It needs to happen."
Northamptonshire South MP Andrea Leadsom made a direct on-camera plea to US President Donald Trump to personally intervene to help the Dunn family.
Speaking to reporters in Brackley, near the Northamptonshire air base where Harry was killed on August 27 last year, Mrs Leadsom said: "I want to make a real appeal to you Mr President – please give this family closure. Give them the virtual trial and the justice that they are demanding for their son Harry.”
The MP told reporters: “He knows what they’re going through – I know he is very sympathetic to their situation."
She said: “Today is an incredibly sad day for Harry’s family and friends.
“I never had the pleasure of meeting him myself but over the last year, having met on a number of times with his family, I can see how very, very loved Harry Dunn was.
“This is such a difficult time for his family. Precisely because – not that anybody deliberately hurt him or set out to be careless or to drive carelessly – but that something terrible happened and the person who caused Harry’s death has walked away with the help and support of the United States government.
“And that simply cannot be allowed to stand.”
The US State department has offered its sincere condolences and sympathy to the family for what it’s called a tragic accident.
The US government has refused to extradite Anne Sacoolas saying she had diplomatic immunity at the time.
In January the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on a visit to London that both governments were seeking "a resolution that reflects the tragedy took place".
ITV News understands both governments are working to find a ‘mutually acceptable‘ path forward.
Dunn family spokesman and advisor Radd Seiger said: "The family welcome the news today that the State Department in Washington are now working with the British authorities in London to find a resolution to the diplomatic stand off."
Mr Seiger added: "That is the very reason Harry’s parents and I went to Washington DC last October, to engage in dialogue and to make it clear to the US authorities that their decision to recall Mrs Sacoolas was wrong, that it would never be accepted and that she needed to face the English justice system."
"At long last, on the very day that Harry died this time last year, at such a painful time, we have the first indication from Washington that they are working with London to find a resolution and the family can take real comfort from the very obvious direction of travel and momentum which has built up towards securing justice for Harry."The Attorney General here will meet the the Dunn family’s MP Andrea Leadsom when Parliament returns.Earlier this month the MP wrote to the Foreign Secretary, Crown Prosecution Service and Justice Secretary suggesting a virtual trial or a trial in absentia as “A way to achieve closure...without undermining US decision not to accept the extradition request.