The US diplomat’s wife at the centre of the investigation into the death of Harry Dunn is “devastated by the tragic accident” and wants to meet with his family, her lawyer has said.
The American is suspected of involvement in the death of the 19-year-old British teenager in a road accident in August.
As the wife of a US diplomat, she was granted diplomatic immunity and left the UK, sparking an international row that has drawn in both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Donald Trump.
In a statement obtained by ITV News, Anne Sacoolas’ legal representative said she would “continue to cooperate with the investigation”, adding: “Anne is devastated by this tragic accident. No loss compares to the death of a child and Anne extends her deepest sympathy to Harry Dunn’s family.”
It also said Sacoolas had “fully cooperated with the police”, adding: “She spoke with authorities at the scene of the accident and met with the Northampton police at her home the following day. She will continue to cooperate with the investigation.
“Anne would like to meet with Mr Dunn’s parents so that she can express her deepest sympathies and apologies for this tragic accident.
“We have been in contact with the family’s attorneys and look forward to hearing from them.”
Dunn’s parents, Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn, have now decided to take their fight to the US, and have said they will visit both New York and Washington DC to gain support from Americans and “put pressure on the US administration to do the right thing”.
Before travelling to New York City, the spokesman and adviser to Harry’s family, Radd Seiger, said they would like to launch a direct appeal to anyone who saw Sacoolas leave the UK.
He said: “Anne Sacoolas left England to return to the USA following the road traffic collision outside RAF Croughton on August 27.
“The United States government has claimed she has the benefit of diplomatic immunity and has refused to grant the waiver sought by the British government.
“I would urge anyone, on either side of the Atlantic, who has any information relating to Sacoolas’s return to the United States, whether before, during, or after her departure, to please come forward.”
On Friday, the prime minister said America is “absolutely ruthless” in its safeguarding of Sacoolas following the decision to grant her diplomatic immunity.
Boris Johnson said although President Trump was sympathetic towards Harry’s family’s views on the use of diplomatic immunity, the US are “very reluctant” to allow citizens to be tried abroad.
Speaking of taking their campaign to the US, Harry’s family said in a statement that they “continue to live in a nightmare” and have so far been unable to grieve after his death.