US woman wanted over crash death no longer has diplomatic immunity as she apologises for 'tragic accident'
2 min read
The wife of a US diplomat wanted over the death of a British teenager no longer has diplomatic immunity and can face prosecution, Dominic Raab has said.
The Foreign Secretary said UK and US governments have agreed that because Anne Sacoolas, the 42-year-old suspect of a fatal crash in Northampton, returned back to America, immunity is “no longer pertinent”.
It comes as Ms Sacoolas spoke out publicly about the incident for the first time, with law firm Arnold and Porter issuing a statement saying she was “devastated” by the “tragic accident” and wanted to meet with the family of Harry Dunn.
The 19-year-old motorcyclist died in hospital following a crash with a car in August.
The incident sparked a diplomatic row with Boris Johnson calling on Donald Trump to waive Ms Sacoolas’ immunity and co-operate with Northamptonshire police.
But in a letter from Mr Raab to Mr Dunn’s parents Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn, he said she could now be subjected to a criminal investigation.
“The UK government's position is that immunity, and therefore any question of waiver, is no longer relevant in Mrs Sacoolas' case, because she has returned home,” the correspondence, seen by Sky News, said.
“The US have now informed us that they too consider that immunity is no longer pertinent.
“In these circumstances, Harry's case is now a matter for Northants police and the CPS to take forward.”
Meanwhile Ms Sacoolas’ lawyer Amy Jeffress said that she had been cooperating with Northamptonshire police over the incident.
“She spoke with authorities at the scene of the accident and met with the Northampton police at her home the following day. She will continue to cooperate with the investigation,” the statement read.
It added: “Anne is devastated by this tragic accident.
“No loss compares to the death of a child and Anne extends her deepest sympathy to Harry Dunn's family.
“Anne would like to meet with Mr Dunn's parents so that she can express her deepest sympathies and apologise for this tragic accident.
“We have been in contact with the family's attorneys and look forward to hearing from them.”
Mr Dunn’s parents are due to fly out to the US on Sunday to put pressure on the case.
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