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Anne Sacoolas has been sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months, for causing the death of teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn by careless driving.

Sacoolas, 45, was driving her Volvo on the wrong side of the B4031 in Northamptonshire, a two-lane road with a 40mph limit, when she hit Harry, 19, who was riding in the opposite direction.

The former US spy was sentenced in an “unprecedented” case at the Old Bailey – but did not attend the hearing in person after American officials stepped in.

Anne Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity and left for the US
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Anne Sacoolas has been sentenced over the death of Harry Dunn

Latest updates on Anne Sacoolas sentencing

Sacoolas left the UK in August 2019, claiming diplomatic immunity following the collision outside US military base RAF Croughton.

It left the teenager’s grieving parents facing a “torturous” three-year journey to seek justice for their son.

She pleaded guilty to causing Harry’s death by careless driving, via a video link from Washington DC in October this year.

More on Anne Sacoolas

Alongside handing Sacoolas a suspended prison sentence, the judge, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, also ruled that she is disqualified from driving for 12 months.

She told the defendant, who appeared in court on Thursday via a video link from her lawyer’s office in the US capital, that while she remained in America her sentence could not be enforced.

Read more: Sacoolas questioned by Sky News’ James Matthews after sentencing

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‘Why didn’t you go to UK to attend court?’

‘Little reason’ for Sacoolas not to attend court in person

Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb was critical of Sacoolas for not attending the sentencing hearing in person.

The court heard that she had been advised by American officials not to fly to the UK, as her return “could place significant US interests at risk”.

But Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said there was “little reason” for Sacoolas not to attend, as she had been granted bail.

She also praised Harry’s parents and family for their “dignified persistence”, which she said had led Sacoolas to “acknowledge her guilt”.

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Harry death has ‘broken us’

Delivering her sentence, the judge told Sacoolas: “You drove along the wrong side of the road for much more than a moment and you did not realise what you were doing when you came to a bend in the road.

“I bear in mind that this was a short period of driving and you were not familiar with English roads. The death of Harry Dunn is, of course, the highest degree of harm.

“Anyone who has caused death by driving would be expected to feel remorseful… and I accept that you feel genuine remorse.”

In a statement from Sacoolas, read out by her lawyer in court, she said that the mother-of-three lived with “regret every single day”.

She said: “There is not a day that goes by that Harry isn’t on my mind, and I am deeply sorry for the pain that I have caused.

“It’s for this reason that I have been so committed to a resolution to this case since 2019.”

Read more: See full text of Sacoolas’ statement

Her barrister, Ben Cooper KC, also told the court that Sacoolas had been subject to harassment and multiple death threats and had moved home several times.

‘We’ve done it Harry’

Speaking outside the Old Bailey, Harry’s mother, Charlotte Charles, gave an emotional speech in which she said that Sacoolas would have a “criminal record for the rest of her life”.

Ms Charles, who said she had promised her son in hospital that she would get justice, added: “Yep, Harry, we’ve done it.

“We would have been happy with anything – for us, it was just about doing the right thing.”

Family spokesman Radd Seiger added: “Our real enemy here isn’t Anne Sacoolas, our real enemy here is the US government.”

At the time of the collision, Sacoolas was driving two of her children home from a barbecue at the Croughton air base in Northamptonshire.

Harry Dunn died following a crash outside of RAF Croughton
Image:
The crash happened outside RAF Croughton

The court heard on Thursday that Harry was thrown over the car and lay in the road as he said “don’t let me die”, after the collision.

Sacoolas called her husband to the scene and was seen to be crying with her head in her hands, the Old Bailey heard.

She acknowledged she was driving on the wrong side of the road, with speed not a factor and a breath test for alcohol showing negative, the court was told.

‘I made a promise to Harry’

In a victim impact statement, Ms Charles, sobbed as she described how her “world turned upside down”.

“He was the light of my life before he was so senselessly and cruelly taken from us. Harry just disappeared out of my life that night, shattering my existence forever,” she told the court.

She said Harry’s twin, Niall, continues to be “hit very hard” by the tragedy, adding: “I didn’t just lose one son the night Harry died. I lost Niall too.”

Please Drive on Left signs and arrows have been placed on the B4031 road outside RAF Croughton, in Northamptonshire, where Harry Dunn, 19, died when his motorbike was involved in a head-on collision in August.
Image:
The crash happened on the B4031 in Northamptonshire

Ms Charles added: “His passing haunts me every minute of every day and I’m not sure how I’m ever going to get over it.

“I made a promise to Harry in hospital that we would get him justice and a mother never breaks a promise to her son.”

Ms Charles and Harry’s father, Tim Dunn, said they were “horrified” that Sacoolas was instructed to attend the hearing remotely and accused the US of “actively interfering” in British justice.

They described their fight for the truth as “totally torturous”, adding: “It’s not an exhaustion that you can go to bed and sleep off.”

Mr Dunn told Sky News: “I think if you ever really told our story to somebody who didn’t know (it) they wouldn’t believe some of the stuff we’ve had… from that awful night in the hospital.”

But he added: “It’s been worth all the heartache and the pain to prove that normal people from Northamptonshire can take on these people and get what should be done straightaway and get justice.”

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Harry Dunn’s parents said they feel like they have fulfilled their promise to their son

‘I have nothing to say to her’

In October 2019, Harry’s family were invited to attend the White House and meet the-then president Donald Trump – who secretly arranged for Sacoolas to meet them in the Oval Office.

But the parents had no idea about the meeting and refused to take part in a photo-call Mr Trump was hoping for.

Now they say they have no desire to speak to her.

Ms Charles said: “You never say never, but I don’t think there’s a chance at all of that. It’s a bit too late. She’s had three years.”

Mr Dunn added: “I don’t feel there’s any need for me to meet her to be honest. I have nothing to say to her.”

Speaking following the conclusion of the sentencing, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “We have learnt important lessons from this tragic incident, including improvements to the process around exemptions from diplomatic immunity and ensuring the US takes steps to improve road safety around RAF Croughton.”

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Trump shares AI video of Gaza vision featuring golden statues, bearded belly dancers and Netanyahu on a sunbed

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Trump shares AI video of Gaza vision featuring golden statues, bearded belly dancers and Netanyahu on a sunbed

Donald Trump has shared a bizarre AI-generated video on his Truth Social platform showcasing what appears to be a vision of Gaza under his proposed plan.

The footage, which the 78-year-old shared without comment, shows the war-ravaged territory before a caption appears: “Gaza 2025… What’s Next?”

It then goes on to show the area transformed into a Middle Eastern paradise with exotic beaches, Dubai-style skyscrapers, luxury yachts and people partying.

Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump

Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump

It includes a “Trump Gaza” tower and a gigantic, golden statue of the US president – with miniature versions on sale in a souvenir gift shop.

A child is also shown walking in a street, holding a huge, golden balloon of the president’s head.

The video also features the world leader dancing with a scantily clad belly dancer in a bar – and sunbathing and sipping cocktails by a hotel resort pool with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Elon Musk appears in the footage several times – sitting on a beach eating humous with flatbreads as bearded belly dancers perform on the sand.

The billionaire boss of X, Tesla and SpaceX – who also leads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) which has been tasked with cutting government spending – is also shown throwing dollar bills in the air for people.

Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


A song written for the video also plays in the background.

The lyrics go: “Donald’s coming to set you free, bringing the light for all to see, no more tunnels, no more fear: Trump Gaza’s finally here.

“Trump Gaza’s shining bright, golden future, a brand new life.

“Feast and dance the deal is done, Trump Gaza number one.”

Sky News has established the video was first shared online in early February by accounts with no apparent connection to the White House.

Read more from Sky News:
Large bruise on Trump’s hand prompts speculation over health
What you need to know about Trump’s Gaza plan

Mr Trump announced his plan – for when the war between Israel and Hamas ends – earlier this year.

It includes relocating two million Gazans to neighbouring Arab countries and developing the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East“.

He described Gaza as a “demolition site” where “virtually every building is down”.

Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


Laying out his idea of what would happen beyond an Israel-Hamas ceasefire, he proposed: “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too.”

He said America would be “responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site”, before it would “get rid of the destroyed buildings”, and “level it out”.

“Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs,” he added.

The White House described the proposal as “out-of-the-box” and “visionary” – but it was condemned as the effective “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians from Gaza.

Hamas described the proposals as “ridiculous and absurd” in a statement from one of its officials.

Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, which as fellow Arab nations support the Palestinian cause, also rejected Mr Trump’s plan.

Read more:
Analysis: Trump’s Gaza plan is so outrageous it might be something bigger

There was a mixed reaction to the video in the comments section below.

One person wrote: “I don’t think that’s funny or cool. Sorry. Am I missing something??? I hope it’s a joke a bad joke..”

“I hate this. I love our president, but this is horrible,” said another.

One Truth Social user wrote: “Mr President while I appreciate what you do, is not about you. To God be the glory and the honor, for without Him, you couldn’t have accomplished anything. The statue is a symbol of the antichrist, please humble yourself to God. Jesus is king and only Him.”

“You’re doing great Mr President. But don’t let it get to your head. God put you in that position for His Glory, not yours,” said another.

“Can we transform our US cities to look like this 2025 vision first? Our cities are dumps with ugly buildings and homeless people,” wrote one user.

“Everything looks good, just stay away from these guys,” said another, reposting a screengrab of the bearded belly dancers.

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What minerals does Ukraine have – and why does Donald Trump want them?

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What minerals does Ukraine have – and why does Donald Trump want them?

Ukraine appears set to sign a deal that gives the United States access to its mineral supply in exchange for continued military aid.

A Ukrainian government source told Sky News that Kyiv has agreed its terms with Washington.

Mr Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the mineral fund means US taxpayers will “get their money back and then some” for three years of providing weapons against Russia.

Ukraine latest: Zelenskyy to visit US on Friday

The idea of a deal first emerged in September. With concerns swirling Mr Trump would withdraw support if elected, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly suggested it during a meeting at Trump Tower.

The imminent signing of the deal comes amid strained US-Ukrainian relations since Mr Trump’s return to the White House, with the president branding Mr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and excluding Ukraine from negotiations with Russia.

Here we look at Ukraine’s mineral supply – and why the US wants access to it.

Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in September 2024. Pic: AP
Image:
Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in September 2024. Pic: AP

Which minerals does Ukraine have?

Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, minerals made up 6.1% of Ukraine’s GDP (gross domestic product) and 30% of its exports.

It is home to various ‘critical’ minerals, so called for their use in technology manufacturing, defence systems, and green energy, with examples including copper, nickel, lithium, and titanium.

According to the European Commission, in 2019 Ukraine supplied 7% of global titanium, which is used for building nuclear power plants and planes.

Map of Ukraine minerals
Image:
Source: Institute for the Study of War/Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine

Similarly, it is believed to have more lithium (used to make batteries) than any other European country – a suspected 500,000 tonnes.

Before Russia’s invasion, it was also responsible for a fifth of global graphite, which is a key material for nuclear power stations and electric vehicle batteries.

Other raw materials in good supply include coal, iron ore, and manganese.

A titanium plant in Armyansk, Crimea. File pic: Reuters
Image:
A titanium plant in Armyansk, Crimea. File pic: Reuters

Read more
Fact-checking Trump on Zelenskyy
How China is using its minerals as leverage

Pre-war figures are the most reliable, as up to 40% of Ukrainian metallic minerals are now in areas occupied by Russia – namely the Donbas and neighbouring eastern regions.

For example, two of Ukraine’s lithium deposits are under Russian control – Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk.

A graphite pit in Zavallia, Ukraine. Pic: Reuters
Image:
A graphite pit in Zavallia, Ukraine. Pic: Reuters

Rare earth elements

Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of 17 exotic minerals used to make everything from smartphones and electronic devices, to electric vehicles, wind turbines, and weapons systems.

Examples include europium, a material for control rods at nuclear power plants, and gadolinium, used to make the magnets inside mobile phones – as well as holmium, ytterbium, and dysprosium.

They are not strictly rare – but their extraction and storage are highly energy-intensive.

With the details of war-torn Ukraine’s mineral supplies uncertain – it is not clear which REEs are present there and how much there are of them.

But in a pre-war assessment of 109 critical mineral deposits across the country by the Kyiv School of Economics, three were reported to contain REEs.

Ukrainian mineral data, seen by Reuters, has also cited cerium, neodymium, erbium, yttrium, and lanthanum.

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Why does Trump want them?

Donald Trump has not been clear about which minerals he wants from Ukraine, although he referred to the agreement as a “deal on rare earths” on Tuesday.

And as Sky’s economics and data editor Ed Conway says, there are far greater supplies of lithium, graphite, and titanium elsewhere, including in the US.

But what is far more certain is the role China has to play in Mr Trump’s demands.

As the biggest manufacturer in the world, China processes more REEs than any other country – with its deposits representing between 50% and 75% of global supply, according to estimates.

As a result, both the US and Europe are trying to reduce their dependency on Beijing.

A chinese rare earth smelting plant spews polluted water
Image:
A chinese rare earth smelting plant spews polluted water

In December as Mr Trump prepared to return to office, China banned the export of some REEs to the US. Under Joe Biden’s administration, it had already restricted its US mineral exports.

In response on 1 February, the Trump administration announced 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports.

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Why did China restrict mineral exports last year?

Beyond the trade war with China, REEs and critical minerals are fundamental to the global green energy transition.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, to meet net-zero targets by 2030, we will need three times as much copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

This will mean a further 50 lithium, 60 nickel, and 17 cobalt mines globally.

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What minerals does Ukraine have – and why does Donald Trump want them?

Published

on

By

What minerals does Ukraine have – and why does Donald Trump want them?

Ukraine appears set to sign a deal that gives the United States access to its mineral supply in exchange for continued military aid.

A Ukrainian government source told Sky News that Kyiv has agreed its terms with Washington.

Mr Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the mineral fund means US taxpayers will “get their money back and then some” for three years of providing weapons against Russia.

Ukraine latest: Zelenskyy to visit US on Friday

The idea of a deal first emerged in September. With concerns swirling Mr Trump would withdraw support if elected, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly suggested it during a meeting at Trump Tower.

The imminent signing of the deal comes amid strained US-Ukrainian relations since Mr Trump’s return to the White House, with the president branding Mr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and excluding Ukraine from negotiations with Russia.

Here we look at Ukraine’s mineral supply – and why the US wants access to it.

Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in September 2024. Pic: AP
Image:
Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in September 2024. Pic: AP

Which minerals does Ukraine have?

Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, minerals made up 6.1% of Ukraine’s GDP (gross domestic product) and 30% of its exports.

It is home to various ‘critical’ minerals, so called for their use in technology manufacturing, defence systems, and green energy, with examples including copper, nickel, lithium, and titanium.

According to the European Commission, in 2019 Ukraine supplied 7% of global titanium, which is used for building nuclear power plants and planes.

Map of Ukraine minerals

Similarly, it is believed to have more lithium (used to make batteries) than any other European country – a suspected 500,000 tonnes.

Before Russia’s invasion, it was also responsible for a fifth of global graphite, which is a key material for nuclear power stations and electric vehicle batteries.

Other raw materials in good supply include coal, iron ore, and manganese.

A titanium plant in Armyansk, Crimea. File pic: Reuters
Image:
A titanium plant in Armyansk, Crimea. File pic: Reuters

Read more
Fact-checking Trump on Zelenskyy
How China is using its minerals as leverage

Pre-war figures are the most reliable, as up to 40% of Ukrainian metallic minerals are now in areas occupied by Russia – namely the Donbas and neighbouring eastern regions.

For example, two of Ukraine’s lithium deposits are under Russian control – Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk.

A graphite pit in Zavallia, Ukraine. Pic: Reuters
Image:
A graphite pit in Zavallia, Ukraine. Pic: Reuters

Rare earth elements

Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of 17 exotic minerals used to make everything from smartphones and electronic devices, to electric vehicles, wind turbines, and weapons systems.

Examples include europium, a material for control rods at nuclear power plants, and gadolinium, used to make the magnets inside mobile phones – as well as holmium, ytterbium, and dysprosium.

They are not strictly rare – but their extraction and storage are highly energy-intensive.

With the details of war-torn Ukraine’s mineral supplies uncertain – it is not clear which REEs are present there and how much there are of them.

But in a pre-war assessment of 109 critical mineral deposits across the country by the Kyiv School of Economics, three were reported to contain REEs.

Ukrainian mineral data, seen by Reuters, has also cited cerium, neodymium, erbium, yttrium, and lanthanum.

👉 Follow Trump 100 on your podcast app 👈

Why does Trump want them?

Donald Trump has not been clear about which minerals he wants from Ukraine, although he referred to the agreement as a “deal on rare earths” on Tuesday.

And as Sky’s economics and data editor Ed Conway says, there are far greater supplies of lithium, graphite, and titanium elsewhere, including in the US.

But what is far more certain is the role China has to play in Mr Trump’s demands.

As the biggest manufacturer in the world, China processes more REEs than any other country – with its deposits representing between 50% and 75% of global supply, according to estimates.

As a result, both the US and Europe are trying to reduce their dependency on Beijing.

A chinese rare earth smelting plant spews polluted water
Image:
A chinese rare earth smelting plant spews polluted water

In December as Mr Trump prepared to return to office, China banned the export of some REEs to the US. Under Joe Biden’s administration, it had already restricted its US mineral exports.

In response on 1 February, the Trump administration announced 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Why did China restrict mineral exports last year?

Beyond the trade war with China, REEs and critical minerals are fundamental to the global green energy transition.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, to meet net-zero targets by 2030, we will need three times as much copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

This will mean a further 50 lithium, 60 nickel, and 17 cobalt mines globally.

Continue Reading

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