THE devastated partner of a man killed by a dangerous driver says she is glad the justice system has recognised the initial jail sentence was "unduly lenient".

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.

St Helens Star:

Yates, from no fixed address in North Wales, who was under the influence of drugs, fled the scene by jumping over a barrier immediately after the incident.

The 28-year-old appeared before Chester Crown Court on Friday, January 20, after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis and was jailed for eight-years.

READ: M6 crash : Pregnant partner's tribute to dad-to-be Chris Smith

However, thanks to the Court of Appeal, that original prison term has been quashed and he will now serve 11 years and three months after the initial sentence was deemed unduly lenient.

St Helens Star:

Mandy, 39, from Sutton, who has now given birth to their son, 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.

St Helens Star:

“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.”

READ the full report on the sentence extension here.