Mother Criticizes Decision Not to Jail Soldier Who Caused Fatal Crash

A mother stated her daughter was "completely failed" by the justice system after the soldier responsible for her death avoided jail time. Joseph Pickett, a craftsman in the army, was driving a BMW 1 Series at approximately 50 mph in a 30 mph zone when he lost control and crashed into trees in Bournemouth, Dorset, in September 2023, killing 18-year-old Laionie Kennard.

Picked admitted causing death by careless driving, but he was not imprisoned because a jail sentence would have resulted in his dismissal from the army. The crash occurred after Pickett had consumed up to a bottle of cider and failed a roadside breath test. Laionie, who sustained fatal head injuries, had reportedly expressed concern about Pickett's driving to her mother just 30 minutes before the collision.

At Poole Magistrates' Court, Pickett received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also disqualified from driving for two years, ordered to pay £232 in costs, and complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

An inquest determined that Pickett's excessive speed was the most significant factor in Laionie's death. The BMW was estimated to have been traveling between 47 mph and 58 mph when it left the road. A video recorded inside the car shortly before the crash reportedly captured a passenger commenting on the high speed. The coroner noted that the speedometer in the blurry recording appeared to indicate 80 mph.

Dorset Coroner Brendan Allen stated his intention to issue a report on the prevention of future deaths, citing Pickett's limited driving experience. Pickett had purchased the BMW less than three weeks prior to the crash and had recently completed an intensive, week-long army driving course. He had minimal experience driving at night, on rural roads, or in a powerful vehicle.

The coroner plans to raise concerns about graduated driving licenses with the Department for Transport and issues surrounding intensive driving courses with the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

A spokesperson for the MoD conveyed condolences to Laionie's family and friends, stating that any service personnel committing an offense are subject to disciplinary proceedings, but declined to comment on Pickett's specific case.