Mother of Laionie Kennard Feels Let Down by Justice System
Laionie Kennard’s mother expresses disappointment after soldier’s lenient sentence for fatal crash
Laionie Kennard, Joseph Pickett, Ringwood, Poole, UK
Ringwood: A soldier named Joseph Pickett, 20, caused Laionie Kennard’s death in a crash. He received a suspended sentence and must do unpaid work.
On September 16, 2023, Pickett drove at speeds of 80mph with three teens in the car. The court heard he was speeding earlier that night.
Judge Orla Austin noted that prison would end Pickett’s army career. Laionie’s mother, Kelly, questioned the fairness of this decision.
Laionie worked as a compliance officer before her tragic death. Her brother, Deon, shared how much she cared for others.
Laionie’s family used a safety app that showed Pickett’s car speeding before the crash. The app alerted a parent when the crash happened.
Kelly mentioned receiving a text from Laionie about her worries regarding Pickett’s driving just before the accident.
Initially, Pickett failed a breathalyzer test but showed no results later. Laionie’s family can’t appeal the sentence but Kelly vows to keep fighting.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence expressed condolences to Laionie’s family. Pickett was sentenced to 10 months, suspended for 24 months, and must complete 250 hours of community service.