Amy Hofmeister death: Appeal against Leanne Burnell sentence

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has lodged an appeal against the sentence handed down to a woman who caused the death of a 13-year-old girl.

Leanne Burnell, 21, from Taunton, was jailed for 18 months for causing the death of Amy Hofmeister by dangerous driving after encouraging a car chase.

The CPS said the sentence showed "undue leniency".

The appeal was referred to the Attorney General who will decide whether to take it to the Court of Appeal.

Amy's mother Jane Hofmeister has also appealed against the length of Burnell's sentence.

Speaking after the sentencing, she said the sentence was "an insult to Amy's memory".

Amy was on a bike in Taunton when she was hit by a car driven by Leonard Jones, 42, in June 2011.

His ex-girlfriend Leanne Burnell, of Smithy, Bishops Hull, Taunton, who was driving a different car, had denied the crime but was found guilty in June after a four-day trial at Taunton Crown Court.

Jones, whose address was given as care of HMP, admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

He was sentenced to seven years in jail.