A SECOND motorist has been charged with causing the death of 13-year-old Taunton student Amy Hofmeister by dangerous driving.

The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Avon and Somerset police to charge Leanne Burnell, 20, of Bishop's Hull.

She is jointly charged with Leonard Jones, 41.

In June, Jones, aged 41, of Mulberry Close, Taunton, pleaded guilty at Taunton Crown Court to causing Amy’s death by dangerous driving. He also admits driving without the correct licence and without insurance and was due to be sentenced at the end of this month.

Ms Burnell is due to appear at Taunton Magistrates’ courts on 25 August.

Amy Hofmeister, a student at Bishop Fox’s Community School, Taunton, was riding her bicycle along a cycle path on Blackbrook Way in Taunton at about 7.30pm on June 15 when she was killed.

CPS District Crown Prosecutor, Dean Lampard, said: “In accordance with the published CPS policy, I have authorised Avon and Somerset Police to charge Leanne Burnell with causing death by Dangerous Driving following the tragic death of Amy Hofmiester. “I have decided that Leanne Burnell is to be jointly charged with Leonard Jones who was driver of the vehicle that struck Amy.

“While Leanne Burnell was driving a separate vehicle to that of Jones, I have taken this decision after very carefully after reviewing the material gathered in the police investigation. I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that it is in the public interest to bring this charge.”