Suspended term for driver who caused fatal crash

A driver who admitted causing the death of an 18-year-old woman in a crash in Dorset has been handed a suspended sentence.

Laionie Kennard, from Verwood, died when a BMW driven by Joseph Pickett, left the road near Ringwood on 16 September 2023.

Picket, 20, from Lyneham in Wiltshire, previously admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

He was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, and must complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

Picket, who appeared before Poole magistrates on Wednesday, was also disqualified from driving for two years, after which he must take an extended re-test, and was fined £232.

Dorset Police said Laionie had been one of three passengers in the blue BMW 1 Series, driven by Pickett, in Hurn Road, between Ringwood and Matchams at 21:30 BST on Saturday 16 September 2023.

Officers said the car failed to negotiate a bend, left the road and crashed into trees.

Ms Kennard died at the scene.

An investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Team indicated Pickett was driving at between 43mph and 54mph on the 30mph road as he entered the bend.

PC Leanne Howes said: "Our thoughts are absolutely with Laionie's family and loved ones and nothing will ever make up for their tragic loss.

"This case must serve as another harrowing reminder of the truly devastating consequences that can result from driving without due care and at excessive speed, particularly at night when you have passengers in your vehicle.

"I can only hope that this awful incident makes others stop and think before they get behind the wheel and reminds them of the vital importance of driving in a safe and considerate manner."

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