Motorist Joseph Pickett handed suspended prison sentence after admitting causing death if Laionie Kennard in crash near Ringwood

A MOTORIST who admitted causing the death of a teenage girl in a crash near Ringwood escaped with a suspended prison sentence.

Joseph Pickett (20), of Lyneham in Wiltshire, had been driving a blue BMW 3 Series when it careered off Hurn Road, between Ringwood and Matchams, around 9.30pm on Saturday 16th September 2023.

Laionie Kennard (18) from Verwood, who had been one of three passengers, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Poole Magistrates’ Court heard the car left the road and ploughed into trees after failing to negotiate a bend. No other vehicles were involved.

An investigation by Dorset Police’s serious collision investigation team (SCIT) indicated that Pickett was believed to be driving at between 43mph and 54mph on the 30mph road as he entered the bend prior to the collision.

Having admitted a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, he was handed a 10-month jail term suspended for 24 months.

Pickett was also banned from the roads for two years with an extended re-test, and he must complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

PC Leanne Howes, of the SCIT, 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.”