A MAN in his 20s from Wiltshire is due to appear in court after a woman died in a car crash in East Dorset last year.

A blue BMW 1 series sustained extensive damage when it left the carriageway at Hurn Road between Ringwood and Matchams at around 9.30pm on September 16, 2023.

A passenger in the vehicle, 18-year-old Laionie Kennard from Verwood, sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A man in his 20s from Wiltshire was arrested in connection with the crash, and he has now been charged with causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving following an investigation by the roads policing unit.

READ MORE: Family of Laionie Kennard, 18, pay tribute after crash tragedy

He is set to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday, December 20.

Laionie’s family released a moving tribute to their daughter last year following her tragic death.

“Laionie was our princess,” her family said. “She was the most kind, caring daughter and sister we could ever have wished for.

“Her smile would light up a room, and she was loved by so many. I cannot explain in words just how much she is going to be missed.

“We would like to thank everyone for their kind and generous donations at this unbelievably hard time, our girl will have the send off she deserves.

“We will love you forever the brightest star in the sky, our Laionie.”

A fundraising effort launched after Laionie’s death reached almost £23,000.

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