Man sentenced for causing crash which killed Verwood teenager
18 year old Laionie Kennard died after a speeding BMW lost control
Last updated 31st Jan 2025
A man who admitted causing a fatal road traffic collision in East Dorset has been sentenced - but avoided jail.
2\0 year old Joseph Henry Lydon Pickett, from Lyneham in Wiltshire, appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 29th January).
He's been given a 10 month sentence, suspended for two years, as well as being disqualified from driving for two years with an extended re-test and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.
Pickett had pleaded guilty to a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.
What happened?
A collision in September 2023 on Hurn Road, between Ringwood and Matchams, which resulted in the death of 18-year-old Laionie Kennard from Verwood.
Laionie was one of three passengers in a blue BMW 1 Series, which was being driven by the defendant.
It failed to negotiate a bend, left the road and collided with trees.
No other vehicles were involved.
An investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT) found Pickett was believed to be driving at between 43mph and 54mph on the 30mph road as he entered the bend prior to the collision.
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.”