Amy Hofmeister death: Mum Jane's heartfelt message

Yesterday afternoon Leanne Burnell had her sentenced doubled following her part in the death of Taunton schoolgirl Amy Hofmeister.

After the sentencing, Amy's mum, Jane Hofmeister, posted this message on Facebook:

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.

Withou

t 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

Leanne Burnell, 21, from Bishop's Hull, was jailed for 18 months last July following a trial at Taunton Crown Court - a sentence Jane has been fighting ever since.

Burnell and her former boyfriend Leonard Jones were racing through Taunton at speeds more than twice the 30mph speed limit.

Jones struck the thirteen-year-old schoolgirl who was cycling with her friend on Blackbrook way last June.

Jones, 42, pleaded guilty to causing her death by dangerous driving and was jailed for seven years but Burnell denied the charge. After a four day trial, Burnell was convicted.

Lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service referred the case to the Attorney General, on the grounds of the "undue leniency" of Burnell's sentence.

At the Court of Appeal in London today, Burnell's sentence was increased to three-and-a-half years, following statements from Lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service referring to the case to the Attorney General on the grounds of "undue leniency".

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."