Harry Dunn's killer 'willing to consider' a virtual trial in the UK, sources say
Harry Dunn's killer is 'willing to consider' a virtual trial in the UK, sources say.
Anne Sacoolas was charged with causing the 19-year-old’s death by dangerous driving in August last year and went on to claim diplomatic immunity following the crash, allowing her to return to her home in the US.
It is now understood that she would not be opposed to the idea and wishes to speak to the British authorities to find a way forward.
On Thursday night Ms Sacoolas's lawyers admitted that she drove on the "wrong side of the road for 20 seconds" before the fatal crash.
The concept of a virtual trial already has support from Harry Dunn’s parents, the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Last week Boris Johnson also indicated his support for the idea, saying: “I think the best thing that I can say is, I will support anything that helps to bring justice for Harry Dunn and bring some sort of closure for his family because they have suffered for a long time."
The US State Department has already refused an extradition request from the Home Office, in a decision it described as “final.”
Last night the State Department did not indicate whether they would support a virtual trial, with US legal experts suggesting there was little the US government could do to stop Ms Sacoolas from participating if she wished.
Scott Anderson, a former US diplomat and foreign relations law expert at the Brookings Institution, said: "The one thing they could say [to Mrs Sacoolas] is, 'look if you submit yourself to this and you're found guilty then we're going to feel like we have to comply with the extradition request'.
“That's the one point of leverage they have over her. But I don't see it being very likely that they would actually pursue that.
"Otherwise there's no direct ability as far as I'm aware that they can prevent her from participating in this sort of thing.
"I get the sense that the US government is maybe being quiet about it but hasn't raised serious objections to her because it is a way to resolve what has been an ongoing point of friction in the relationship."
A State Department spokesperson said: "Since the tragic accident occurred, the United States has been closely engaged with the UK government, and we have been transparent about our positions on legal and diplomatic matters concerning this accident.
“The United States Government again expresses its profound condolences and sympathy to the Dunn family for the loss of their son."
In a statement released on Thursday, Ms Sacoolas's lawyers said he "instinctively" began driving on the right-hand side, and blamed not seeing Mr Dunn on her vision being blocked by "the crest of a small hill".
"Anne did everything she could to assist Harry," her lawyers said. "After the accident, she ran from her car and tried to help him.
"Anne then saw another motorist approach and flagged her down for more support. The other motorist immediately called for the emergency services and Anne made calls to alert the police from the nearby air force base.
"The base police arrived quickly and assisted Harry.
"Tragically, it took over 40 minutes for the ambulance to arrive and nearly two hours passed before Harry was admitted to the hospital. "
Anne did not leave the scene until she was instructed to do so by the UK authorities."
