Soldier, 20, killed teenage passenger while speeding in BMW on way home from McDonald's just three weeks after passing his test, court hears
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A soilder caused the death of a teenage passenger when his speeding car crashed into trees on a bend, a court heard. Joseph Pickett was taking three friends home from a trip to McDonald's when he lost control of the BMW, just three weeks after passing his driving test.
![[Rear-seat passenger Laionie Kennard, aged 18, died from serious head injuries]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/20/93438887-0-image-a-48_1734984999621.jpg)
Rear-seat passenger Laionie Kennard, 18, died from serious head injuries. Pickett had minor injuries as did his girlfriend Edy Herridge and friend William Green. All three were also aged 18. Ms Kennard's father David, 42, rushed to the scene in September last year as her phone sent an SOS activation about the accident at Ringwood, Dorset.
Pickett had entered a right-hand bend on the 30mph road at 43mph to 54mph, Poole Magistrates Court heard on Friday. Now 20 and a soldier serving at MOD Lyneham, Wiltshire, he faces jail after admitting causing death by careless driving. The case has highlighted the debate over whether there should be laws for novice drivers banning them from giving lifts to passengers.
A group of bereaved parents with children who have died in road crashes have been backed by the AA in calling for so-called 'graduated' driving licences. Joseph Pickett was taking three friends home from McDonald's when he lost control of the car. Rear-seat passenger Laionie Kennard, aged 18, died from serious head injuries.
Kelly Kennard, 40, and David, parents of compliance officer Ms Kennard, are supporting the Forget-me-not Families' group. Mrs Kennard later claimed: 'If [Pickett] hadn't had any passengers, he wouldn't have driven like he did. New drivers should have more experience behind them, like six months.'.
