Mother of Harry Dunn says she can now rest easier

The mother of a young motorcyclist tragically killed near a US military base has expressed relief, saying she can "find some peace" following promised reforms after an independent review.

Nineteen-year-old Harry Dunn lost his life when his motorcycle was struck by a car driven on the wrong side of the road by American Anne Sacoolas outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August 2019. The review, led by Dame Anne Owers, concluded that the Foreign Office mishandled the case, treating it as routine rather than a crisis, and withheld crucial information from Harrys family.

"Losing a child leaves no closure, but there is comfort knowing everyone has been heard and that future procedures should improve," Charlotte Charles told the BBC.

After the collision, Sacoolas returned to the US claiming diplomatic immunity, sparking an international dispute. In 2022, she received a suspended eight-month jail sentence after admitting to criminal charges.

The report, released Wednesday, scrutinized the actions of the department now known as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) from Harrys death on 27 August 2019 to the end of that year. Charlotte Charles described the findings as "a lot to digest" but felt validated about the lack of support she experienced initially.

She criticized former Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, describing him as "extremely rude" and "awful," recalling that he once asked, "What do you expect me to do?" She said, "There was no confidence in our country. We left every meeting feeling completely abandoned and like our country was weak."

The reviews conclusions reinforced her sense of being let down by the government. "It confirmed my early feelings of abandonment. Those were horrifically dark times, feeling so alone without any support from my government," she said.

An earlier inquiry into Northamptonshire Polices handling of the case also delivered a critical assessment.

Charlotte Charles has been relentless in seeking answers since her sons death. The family recently met with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to ensure that the recommendations from Dame Anne Owerss report are implemented. "Every day is still extremely difficult, but knowing that change is planned and having the reassurance from Yvette Cooper helps me rest easier at night," Charles said.

"I dont want this report to gather dust. Future families must not feel ignored or abandoned when they need their government most. That needs to change," she added. A follow-up meeting is scheduled in 12 months to monitor progress.

Author: Jackson Miller