An independent review into the handling of the fatal crash that killed teenager Harry Dunn has concluded that the American diplomat involved “could and should have been arrested” at the scene. The report delivers a scathing critique of Northamptonshire Police’s initial investigation, echoing the Harry Dunn family’s long-held concerns that they were failed by authorities.
Harry Dunn, a 19-year-old motorcyclist, died in August 2019 after being struck by a car driven by Anne Sacoolas near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire. Sacoolas, an employee of the US State Department, was driving on the wrong side of the road at the time of the collision. Weeks later, she left the UK claiming diplomatic immunity, sparking a high-profile international campaign for justice led by Harry’s parents, Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn.
Key Findings of the Damning Independent Review
The 118-page report, commissioned by Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet and authored by former senior officer Karl Whiffen, makes 38 recommendations following its detailed examination of the force’s actions. Its central finding is that the decision not to arrest Anne Sacoolas immediately after the crash was a critical error.
While police initially stated Sacoolas was not arrested because she was deemed to be in shock and arrest wasn’t considered necessary, the review starkly contradicts this. It states that “a prompt and effective investigation was not considered or articulated” and that arresting the suspect was essential to aid the evidence gathering process. A witness reportedly overheard Sacoolas admit at the scene, “it’s all my fault, I was on the wrong side of the road,” further highlighting the grounds for immediate action.
The report also unearthed significant disparities and shortcomings in the investigation:
Unequal Treatment: Harry Dunn was subjected to drug testing following the collision, whereas Anne Sacoolas was not tested for substances.
Failed Bodycam Footage: Attending officers failed to capture vital footage, with one body-worn camera reportedly failing due to low battery or no memory.
- Mishandled Evidence: Crucially, the report confirmed claims by Harry’s mother, Charlotte Charles, that her son’s clothing, bundled with other crash debris containing his remains, was left in storage for years instead of being properly preserved as critical evidence.
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Criticism of Leadership and Communication
Beyond the immediate handling of the scene, the review heavily criticises former Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley. The report highlights his “erroneous statements” about Sacoolas’s immunity status in media interviews and his public criticism of the Dunn family’s spokesman, Radd Seiger. (Mr. Adderley was subsequently sacked in 2024 for unrelated gross misconduct concerning misrepresentations about his naval career).
Furthermore, the report reveals a significant delay in informing the Dunn family that Anne Sacoolas had left the country under diplomatic cover. This delay occurred at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The review author noted that the FCDO did not cooperate with the inquiry and subsequently appeared to distance itself from the impact of that decision. A brief FCDO statement acknowledged the Foreign Secretary had met the family and was committed to learning lessons from the case’s handling “under the previous Government.”
Police Apology and Family’s Enduring Pain
Responding to the report, Northamptonshire Police issued an apology to the Dunn family. Assistant Chief Constable Emma James stated, “on behalf of Northamptonshire Police, I want to apologise to Harry’s family for what is now clear was a failure on our part to do the very best for the victim in this case.” She acknowledged the “clear and significant shortcomings” identified by the independent review, stating the force “failed the family on a number of fronts.”
Despite the apology and the validation of their criticisms, Harry’s family expressed their profound disappointment. His mother, Charlotte Charles, stated, “Harry was left to die on the roadside. Sacoolas was not arrested, even though the police had every power to do so. She fled the country, and they didn’t tell us.” She added, “These are failures no family should ever have to endure,” maintaining her anger towards former Chief Constable Adderley for his personal attacks but singling out the unnamed officer in charge of the case for showing “genuine care and commitment.” The family felt “failed by the very people we should have been able to trust.”
Legal Outcome and Lasting Legacy
Anne Sacoolas eventually pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving via video link at the Old Bailey in December 2022 and received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
While the legal outcome provided some closure, the family’s relentless campaign for justice has had broader, lasting impacts. Their efforts prompted tangible road safety improvements around US Air Force bases in the UK and highlighted a significant “anomaly” in UK-US diplomatic immunity agreements, ultimately leading to amendments in these bilateral arrangements. In recognition of her tireless campaign for road safety and justice, Charlotte Charles was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours. Reflecting on the honour, she expressed mixed emotions, seeing it as recognition “on behalf of Harry” and their supporters, stemming from her promise to him to fight for justice and ensure his death led to positive change.
The independent review’s findings validate the family’s painful experience and highlight the significant failings in the initial police response to a case that captured national and international attention, underscoring the critical need for adherence to proper procedure and compassionate handling of victims.
