Harry Dunn death: Anne Sacoolas' court appearance cancelled
NEXT week's court appearance by Anne Sacoolas over the death of motorcyclist Harry Dunn has been cancelled to allow discussions with the US national's lawyers to continue.
Mrs Sacoolas, 44, was due to face Westminster Magis-trates’ Court by video link accused of causing death by dangerous driving. It follows the fatal crash outside US military base RAF Croughton, in Northants, on August 27, 2019.
The suspect, who was working for the CIA at the time, had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US Government. She left the UK 19 days later.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Following engagement between the parties, the hearing on January 18 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court has been vacated.
“This is to enable ongoing discussions between the CPS and Anne Sacoolas’s legal representatives to continue.
“Mrs Sacoolas has a right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice any proceedings.”
The announcement follows a statement last month in which the CPS said it remained “committed to securing justice in this matter” and that the case would be heard on Tuesday.
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Immediately after that statement, Mrs Sacoolas’s legal representatives said: “While we have always been willing to discuss a virtual hearing, there is no agreement at this time.”
A decision was reached to charge mother-of-three Mrs Sacoolas with causing Mr Dunn’s death by dangerous driving in December 2019.
Reacting to the latest announcement, the Dunn family’s spokesman Radd Seiger said: “We have full faith in the Crown Prosecution Service and will wait to hear from them with further developments, hopefully in the near future.
“Harry’s family were obviously looking forward to the hearing on Tuesday so they hope an agreement will be reached sooner rather than later.
“It is vitally important for their mental health that justice and closure is achieved soon.”