A dangerous driver who killed a dad-to-be before fleeing the scene has had his prison sentence extended.
John Frazer Yates, 28, of no fixed abode, but from North Wales, has had his original prison term quashed and will now serve 11 years and three months in jail after the Court of Appeal determined his initial sentence was unduly lenient. The court heard how after midnight on November 15 last year, Yates was travelling northbound on the M6, between junction 20 and 21.
Temporary roadworks, which had a speed limit of 50mph, forced Yates to move into a single lane of traffic. But due to the excessive speed Yates was travelling at, which experts calculated to be 128mph, he crashed with a vehicle driven by a third party before hitting Christopher Smith's, from St Helens, car.
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Yates got out of his car and fled the scene, leaving Christopher for dead. He was arrested several hours later and refused to provide his details or a breath sample. Once Yates was taken to the hospital, he failed to provide a blood sample.
Yates pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a sample. He was sentenced to eight years and three months at Chester Crown Court on January 20. Yates was also banned from driving for 12 and half years
His sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal for being unduly lenient and on Thursday, April 20, the court increased Yates sentence to 11 years and three months.
The Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson KC MP, said: “John Frazer Yates was travelling at dangerously excessive speeds and through his reckless actions caused the tragic death of another motorist. The offence was aggravated by him callously fleeing the scene not thinking he would be picked up by the CCTV cameras.
“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Christopher Smith’s family and I welcome the court’s decision to extend Yates’ sentence in what were truly tragic circumstances.”
Christopher's family paid tribute to the dad-to-be, they said: "Christopher was a loving son, brother and uncle, and he was devoted to his partner Mandy. The couple were awaiting the arrival of their first child, and Christopher was extremely excited about the prospect of becoming a father himself.
"Christopher was very close to his family, and nothing was ever too much trouble for him in regard to his friends. He loved to spend time with Mandy and working to provide for her, and also enjoyed watching and playing football.
"Christopher will always be remembered for his great sense of humour. Following his death Christopher has donated his organs so that others can live on."
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