Dunn's mother describes continuing 'sense of loss'

Harry Dunn, pictured wearing a grey hoodie, smilingImage source, Family Handout
Image caption,

Harry Dunn died in 2019 following a crash close to RAF Croughton

  • Published

The mother of Harry Dunn has said she continues to live with "an immense sense of loss" on the fifth anniversary of her son's death.

The 19-year-old was killed in a road crash outside RAF Croughton in Northampton in August 2019 which eventually led to US citizen Anne Sacoolas being sentenced for causing death by careless driving.

The case attracted international attention after diplomatic immunity was initially asserted on behalf of Sacoolas, allowing her to leave the UK 19 days after the collision.

Mr Dunn's mother, Charlotte Charles, said she was "beginning to learn how to move forward".

She said: "I'll always be a mum of twins, even if one joined the angels five years ago today.

"My heart hurts, aches, and I feel Harry's loss physically too."

Mr Dunn's death led the family on a three-year fight for justice, which included a meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the White House.

The Dunn family are expected to meet Foreign Secretary David Lammy next month ahead of an inquiry into the previous government's handling of the case.

Mrs Charles continued: "It seems immense to me that the Foreign Office have already acknowledged that they need to change their approach to victims and that is testament to the power of our campaign for justice.

"I'm looking forward to helping them do better next time."

Image source, Julia Quenzler
Image caption,

Anne Sacoolas was been sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months, for the death of Harry Dunn in 2019.

Radd Seiger, the family's spokesperson, said they would continue to work with authorities "so that no stone is left unturned in ensuring there is no repeat" of the case.

He said: "The American government did their best to sweep his death under the carpet. They only succeeded in embarrassing themselves on the world stage in the process.

"They will not abuse another British citizen's rights again in this way."

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