The case of Anne Sacoolas, the US national charged over the death of motorcyclist Harry Dunn, is to be heard by a UK court, prosecutors have said.
Mr Dunn, 19, died in a crash with a car near RAF Croughton, Northamptonshire, on 27 August, 2019.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Mrs Sacoolas’ case would go before magistrates next month.
Her lawyers denied reports the 44-year-old would attend via video link and said no such agreement had been made.
The CPS previously authorised a charge of causing death by dangerous driving against Mrs Sacoolas, who left the UK citing diplomatic immunity, in 2019.
It did not confirm whether the same charge would be the subject of a Westminster Magistrates’ Court hearing scheduled for 18 January.
Mr Dunn’s mother, Charlotte Charles, said: “My family and I are feeling very emotional and overwhelmed, having just learned the news that Mrs Sacoolas is now to face our justice system.
“It is all that we asked for following Harry’s death.”
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted: “Welcome news that Anne Sacoolas will face a UK court. We continue to support the family to get justice for Harry Dunn.”
Mrs Sacoolas had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US government following the collision, and was able to leave the UK afterwards..
In December 2019, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised Northamptonshire Police to charge Mrs Sacoolas with causing death by dangerous driving.
An extradition request for her to be brought to the UK was rejected by the US government.
A CPS spokesman said: “While the challenges and complexity of this case are well known, we remain committed to securing justice in this matter.
“Anne Sacoolas has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice any proceedings.”
In a statement, US law firm Arnold & Porter told the BBC: “While we have always been willing to discuss a virtual hearing, there is no agreement at this time.”
The CPS declined to comment on the law firm’s response.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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