Anne Sacoolas Pleads Guilty Over Fatal Crash That Killed 19-Year-Old Motorcyclist
US Diplomat’s Wife Admits Careless Driving in Tragic Northamptonshire Crash
Anne Sacoolas, 45, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of 19-year-old Harry Dunn by careless driving. The shocking accident happened in August 2019 outside the US military base RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire. Sacoolas appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink to enter her plea.
Crash Details: Wrong Side of the Road
- Sacoolas had just exited RAF Croughton when she drove 350 metres on the wrong side of the road for more than 20 seconds.
- She collided with Harry Dunn, who was riding his motorcycle on the correct side.
- Dunn tragically died from his injuries in the collision.
Diplomatic Immunity Controversy
The US government claimed diplomatic immunity for Sacoolas, allowing her to leave the UK just 19 days after the crash. But Northamptonshire Police later charged her with causing death by dangerous driving in December 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service intervened.
Sentence Awaits
The charge was reduced from dangerous to careless driving, with Sacoolas pleading guilty to the lesser offence. Careless driving causing death carries up to five years in prison, but courts often hand down community orders or suspended sentences. Sacoolas is due for sentencing at the end of November, presided over by Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.
