Harry Dunn inquest begins with killer's absence 'bitterly disappointing' to family

His killer, Anne Sacoolas, then fled back to the United States claiming diplomatic immunity, but later pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving in October 2022.

Sacoolas absence has been described as "bitterly disappointing" by Harry’s mother, Charlotte Charles.

She said it is "incomprehensible" as a mother that Sacoolas would "hide", stating it is “disrespectful to Harry." She said the inquest is "incredibly painful" but that she is "hopeful" of getting answers.

The family hope to learn why more wasn’t being done to improve safety around American airbases in the UK and that they are "deeply concerned" the issue is being neglected. The mother said her son’s death "feels like yesterday," and that he is "desperately missed."

HM Coroner for Northamptonshire, Anne Pember, issued a request to US government employee Anne Sacoolas last year in which she invited her to attend the inquest remotely.

But it was confirmed in court that Sacoolas would not be appearing in person or via video link.

Sacoolas’s lawyer, Ben Cooper KC, told a pre-inquest review hearing in November that the US citizen was "keen to assist the inquest."

According to the proposed witness list, Sacoolas’s evidence is set to include a "significant statement" from her, sections of her police interview in October 2019 and her witness statement penned in December last year.

Alongside family members, emergency service crews that treated Harry Dunn are due to give evidence before the coroner. Harry’s father, Tim Dunn, who arrived in the area shortly after the crash in 2019 said it "looked like a hospital scene” and that the night felt like a "nightmare."

Harry’s twin brother Niall said his brother had helped him with social anxiety, stating “I wouldn’t be where I am now" without Harry. "Everyday we feel the effect of him not being here" he said, and that he "smiles less, feels less joy."

The US State Department asserted diplomatic immunity on behalf of Sacoolas and she was able to leave the UK 19 days after the fatal collision.

The 45-year-old appeared before a High Court judge at the Old Bailey via video-link in December 2022, where she pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Sacoolas was advised against attending her sentencing hearing by her employer, which prompted the family to say they were "horrified" that the US Government was "actively interfering in our criminal justice system."

Justice Cheema-Grubb handed Sacoolas an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. The inquest is due to last four days with Sacoolas’ evidence read on the second day.