Almost 3 years after Harry Dunn's death, a driver is sentenced in the UK

Three years ago, Anne Sacoolas drove on the wrong side of the road outside a RAF base, killing British rider Harry Dunn. Dunn's family endured a long, painful process before Sacoolas agreed to appear virtually in a British court, while physically remaining in the U.S. Sacoolas pleaded guilty to causing Dunn's death. 

On December 8, 2022, Sacoolas was sentenced. At London's Old Bailey, she appeared via videolink. An eight-month prison term, suspended for 12 months. 

Sacoolas would only serve actual prison time if she committed another crime on British soil within the next year. Additionally, Sacoolas cannot drive for the next 12 months-although it's unclear how enforceable that will be. 

Charlotte Charles, Dunn's mother, expressed her satisfaction at finding justice for her son after the sentencing. Additionally, she said Sacoolas was a coward for not appearing in court in person. 

Dunn's family: what's next? The Guardian reports they're extremely unhappy with the U.S. government's handling of the case. 

Although the judge presiding over the case had requested she attend her sentencing in person once she had already pleaded guilty, Sacoolas was allegedly advised not to appear in person by the U.S. government.  

Several reasons were given for Sacoolas not to return, including a statement attributed to a nonspecific entity within the U.S. government that said, “Her return could put significant U.S. interests at risk.” According to reports, Sacoolas is the wife of a U.S. diplomat at RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire.

Dunn's family wants to clarify exactly what happened, and why things were handled the way they were—in light of additional reports that she had, or still has, a U.S. government role.  

It is certain that Sacoolas left the UK 19 days after the crash, and diplomatic immunity was initially cited. While the U.K. sought extradition for Sacoolas, it was denied by the U.S. government until eventually, virtual court appearances were arranged. No matter how long it took, Dunn's family never gave up on finding justice for Harry.