THE devastated partner of a man killed by a dangerous driver has praised the justice system for extending his ‘unduly lenient’ jail sentence.
Chris Smith, 41 - who had just found out he was to become a dad - was on the M6 at Thelwall Viaduct when John Yates smashed into him after hitting speeds of around 128mph.
Yates, of no fixed abode, but of north Wales, who was under the influence of drugs, fled the scene by jumping over a barrier immediately after the incident.
It was revealed yesterday that the defendant's sentence had been extended by the Court of Appeal, and he will now serve 11 years and three months after the initial sentence was deemed unduly lenient.
Mandy McKechnie, 39 and from Sutton in St Helens, who has now given birth to their son, welcomed the decision.
She said: “No sentence could have ever been enough, but I am glad that the justice system has recognised that the given sentence was far too lenient.
“I applied for the appeal in January after the first sentencing as I felt it really was far too lenient.
“Violet’s Law was created to recognise the devastation caused by the loss of life due to dangerous drivers.
"I am grateful that because of the Youens campaign, I was able to make a successful appeal.
“In causing Chris' death, Yates took away my soul mate, the father of my child, a brother, son, and uncle.
“His cowardice and lack of remorse only prove that he is exactly where he belongs.
“Every day I tell our son about the daddy he never got to meet. We will love Chris, forever and always.”
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