Harry Dunn: Family say they have been treated 'like we are the dirt at the bottom of your shoes'.
In a letter to the US and UK authorities, the family says "public words of sympathy and condolences are nothing but empty words".
Saturday 23 November 2019 20:46, UK
Harry Dunn's family have accused US and UK authorities of "treating us like we are the dirt at the bottom of your shoes".
In a furious open letter to the British and American governments and Anne Sacoolas the Dunn family say "public words of sympathy and condolences are nothing but empty words".
Ms Sacoolas is accused of driving the car that collided with the 19-year-old's motorbike in a fatal crash. She left the country to return to the US soon after the accident.
The family have begun legal proceedings in the UK and are about to start them in the US following the death of their son in August in the crash outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire.
Addressing the authorities, the family writes: "You have treated us like we are dirt on the bottom of your shoes and we simply do not understand why.
"We have been law abiding citizens all our lives, as was Harry, and we do not deserve this.
"Anne Sacoolas should never have been allowed to leave and you robbed us of our right to seek justice.
"Your public words of sympathy and condolences are nothing but empty words because your cruel and heartless actions speak much louder than your words.
"Millions of people right around the world see you, see how you have treated us as a family and what you are doing to prolong our suffering, and are deeply concerned that it could be them next time.
"We have had thousands and thousands of supportive messages urging us to have things changed. We will do just that."
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In a section of the letter addressing Anne Sacoolas and her family, the Dunns write: "We wish you no ill will.
"But you took our son's life that night and you must return to the UK to face the consequences of your actions as anyone else would have to do.
"We know it will be difficult for you to do that but it will ultimately be in your best interests as well as ours so please think about that carefully.
"Our legal system is well developed and fairness is at its heart. "
The Foreign Office has previously said it would oppose the family's legal action and would seek legal costs from them.
They said in a letter to the family: "In the event that the claim is issued, it will be defended, the application for permission will be opposed, and the secretary of state will seek his costs for doing so."