Amy Hofmeister appeal: Leanne Burnell sentence more than doubled (From This is The West Country)

10:56pm

JANE Hofmeister posted this message on Facebook earlier this evening following the increase in sentence given to Leanne Burnell.

"Dear All.
On my way home from London now...
First & foremost, thank you to every single one of you,
I'm absolutely exhausted.
Mentally, physically, emotionally.
That's why it's taken a few hours to write this post since leaving court. Just needed to take a little time to think..take stock of the fact that its finally over.
16months & 9 days of fighting for Justice...fighting for my Amy.
Without you guy's I may not have made it.
The love & support that has literally been showered upon myself & my family had been incredible.
You have all taken Amy to your hearts.
The Think Amy will continue.
I will do everything I can to promote road safety, help other victims & families & continue to raise money for charity in Amy's name.
My Daughter was my best friend. She made me laugh, she made me proud. She loved me with all her heart & I loved her.
My children were & will always be the best thing that ever happened to me.
My Son Benjamin has grown into such a fine young man. He is the reason I am still here.
We will now move forward in life together.
Always speaking Amy's name
Always keeping her memory alive
And Always, Always loving her...
Thank you everyone so much

Jane x

5:57pm

SENIOR officers at Avon and Somerset Police have given their reaction to the increase in sentence for Leanne Burnell.

Chief Superintendent Daimon Tilley said: "We are pleased with the outcome of this appeal.

"We hope the sentencing of Jones and Burnell brings some comfort to Amy's family.

"13 year-old Amy's death was totally unnecessary. She was doing everything right wearing reflective clothing, a helmet and cycling on a proper cycle path.

"Amy's death has impacted heavily on many people particularly her family but has also left an entire community grieving and shocked.

"I was personally involved immediately after the incident and the subsequent investigation and I have been overwhelmed by the community's support for both Amy's family and friends and to the police investigation. I am really grateful to the residents of Taunton for their help and compassion.

"Avon and Somerset Police, with our partners and charities such as Jane Hofmeister's "Think Amy Campaign" will continue to educate people about the consequences of driving dangerously, driving under the influence of drink and drugs and excessive speed.

"We will not tolerate those road users who put all our lives at risk through illegal or dangerous driving and will always seek to take action against those who do.

"Our thoughts are with Amy's family who are campaigning bravely to promote road safety in the hope that her death will not be in vain."

3:31pm

Amy Hofmeister's mum, Jane, has spoken of her happinness to see Leanne Burnell's sentence more than doubled today (Wednesday).

She added: “I’ve no regrets taking this to the Court of Appeal. I’d have liked more, but I have to be realistic within the sentencing guidelines.

“It shows the public that if you drive dangerously there are consequences, and that the law will prosecute and sentence you.

“I’ve kept my promise to my daughter, who I held in my arms, that I’d fight for her justice, and I’ve kept that promise.

Jane vowed to keep the Think Amy campaign going to keep her daughter's memory alive.

3:26pm

2:05pm

Writing on Facebook this afternoon following the verdict, Jane Hofmeister said: "They increased Leanne Burnells sentence from 18m to 3yrs 6months...Just taking it all in in how I feel.

"I'll post a statement tonight. Thanks... Jane x"

1:02pm

12:10pm

A JUDGE at the Court of Appeal has more than doubled the jail sentence given to Leanne Burnell, whose dangerous driving led to the death of Taunton teenager Amy Hofmeister.

Burnell, who had initially been given 18 months in prison, must now serve a three-and-a-half year jail term.

Reaction from Amy's mum Jane, who was in court for the hearing, will appear here soon.

11:30am

SUPPORT for Jane Hofmeister's campaign to get Leanne Burnell's sentence increased has been flooding in on social networking sites this morning.

Sharon Newell said: "Fingers and Toes crossed for you and all of your family. Let's hope the London Judges do the right thing.

"Good luck and god bless you all xxxxxxx."

The hearing was due to get under way at 10.30am.

9:52am

JANE Hofmeister, Amy's mum, has been campaigning for Leanne Burnell's sentence to be increased. She is at the Court of Appeal awaiting the judge's ruling this morning.

9:05am

Bishop Fox's school pupil Amy Hofmeister, who was knocked down and killed in Taunton in June 2011.

9:01am

THE appeal hearing is taking place at the Court of Appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice in London this morning.

The case is due before Lord Justice Kitchin in Court 5 at 10.30am but it is not known exactly what time the case will be heard.

The County Gazette has a reporter in the court covering the case, so keep checking this website for the most up-to-date news and reaction from the hearing.

8:34am

8:25am

AN appeal over the jail term handed to a woman who killed a teenage girl by dangerous driving is due to be heard today (October 24).

Leanne Burnell, 21, (pictured above) was jailed for 18 months in July after being found guilty of causing the death by dangerous driving of 13-year-old Amy Hofmeister on Blackbrook Way, Taunton, in June 2011.

Co-accused Leonard Jones, 42, of Mulberry Close, Taunton, was jailed for seven years after admitting causing Amy’s death by dangerous driving and two further charges.

Amy’s mother, Jane Hofmeister, appealed to Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC for a review of the case ‘on the grounds of undue leniency’ hours after Burnell’s sentencing.

The appeal will be heard at the Court of Appeal in London this morning.