Mother of Amy Hofmeister 'thrilled' after conviction of dangerous driver (From Somerset County Gazette)

Mother of Amy Hofmeister 'thrilled' after conviction of dangerous driver

4:14pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in Taunton

JANE Hofmeister said the conviction of Leanne Burnell represented 'justice for Amy'.

Burnell, 20, of Bishop's Hull, was convicted unanimously of causing the death of 13-year-old Amy Hofmeister at Taunton Crown Court.

Burnell had denied causing death by dangerous driving on June 15 last year on Blackbrook Way, Taunton.

Speaking after the jury had found Burnell guilty, Jane Hofmeister told reporters: "We are absolutely thrilled and so grateful to everybody for the support. It has been fantastic.

"It was the verdict that we have been waiting for over a year for and it is justice for Amy."

Ms Hofmeister said the conviction represented a closure of the court proceedings but pledged to continue her work with the 'Think Amy' road safety campaign.

She also called on Judge Graham Hume Jones to hand down the maximum possible sentences to Burnell and Leonard Jones, 42, of Mulberry Close, Taunton, who has already pleaded guilty to the same charge.

She added: "I have a life sentence without Amy."

Speaking after the case, District Crown Prosecutor, Dean Lampard, said: “Leanne Burnell and Leonard Jones were driving separate cars when Amy was killed Jones was the driver of the vehicle that struck Amy.

"In accordance with CPS policy on prosecuting cases of dangerous driving, I took the decision that Burnell should also be prosecuted because her actions significantly contributed to Amy’s death.

“Amy Hofmeister and her friend were riding their bicycles along the cycle path on Blackbrook Way in Taunton at about 7.30pm on June 15 last year when she was killed.

"The Prosecution have always contended that Burnell and Jones were racing each other in their cars at high speed when Jones lost control of his vehicle, which then mounted the curb and hit Amy and her friend.

“Although nothing can ever compensate Amy’s family for her tragic death, the Crown Prosecution Service hope the outcome of today’s hearing may help them come to terms with their sad loss.”