Police Apologize for Mishandling Harry Dunn Case

A new report has revealed significant failures by Northamptonshire Police in their investigation of the death of Harry Dunn. The force admitted prioritizing the suspect’s welfare over a thorough probe. This led to criticism and a public apology, highlighting the family’s long fight for justice.

Force Admits Failings

Northamptonshire Police has acknowledged its failings in the investigation concerning the death of 19-year-old Harry Dunn. A report found that officers prioritized the well-being of the suspect, Anne Sacoolas, over the investigation’s integrity. Sacoolas was driving on the wrong side of the road near RAF Croughton in 2019 when she hit Dunn’s motorbike.

Dunn’s mother, Charlotte Charles, expressed her gratitude for the report’s findings. She stated it validated the family’s experiences and the way they were treated during the investigation.

“Unfortunately, we were treated extremely poorly. All the authorities wanted to shut us down… This report does validate everything, of the way we felt and everything that we’ve been put through. To be treated as we were, as the victims of a serious crime, we were let down really, really badly.”

—Charlotte Charles, Mother of Harry Dunn

The case highlights the importance of proper investigation procedures after serious road accidents. According to the Department for Transport, in 2023, 1,710 people were killed on Britain’s roads, underscoring the need for stringent investigation protocols (Source: Department for Transport).

Report Findings

The independent report made 38 recommendations and criticized the force’s senior leadership. The former chief constable, Nick Adderley, who was later sacked, caused a breakdown in relations with the Dunn family. His inaccurate statements about Sacoolas’s immunity status prompted the Foreign Office to intervene. Danielle Stone, the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire, called Adderley’s behavior “unfathomable.”

The report also revealed that Northamptonshire Police may have had a culture of not arresting suspects, potentially leading to a loss of evidence. The decision not to arrest Sacoolas was deemed not adequately explained, with the main factor being her welfare. The report stated that the arrest should have occurred to assist evidence-gathering.

Family’s Fight for Justice

Assistant Chief Constable Emma James issued a statement on behalf of Northamptonshire Police, apologizing for the force’s failures. She acknowledged that they had failed to support Harry Dunn and his family, who fought tirelessly to get justice.

The report also noted that the duty police sergeant made the decision not to arrest Sacoolas, largely because of the belief that the “necessity test” was not met and because Sacoolas was in shock. The report stressed that the welfare of any person is a concern, but it shouldn’t have prevented the arrest.

Charles, who was recently honored, shared some words for others who are facing struggles: “I don’t think you’re ever done grieving. There’s never any closure to losing a child. You live with it, it’s so profound… dig deep, do your best, because you just never know the resilience that you’ve got until you absolutely have to find it.”