A MAN has pleaded guilty to causing the death by dangerous driving of St Helens dad-to-be Christopher Smith.

John Frazer Yates, of no fixed address, North Wales, was arrested on Tuesday, November 15 following a three-vehicle collision on the M6 in Cheshire.

The collision occurred at around 12.30am on the M6 northbound between junctions 20, Lymm, and 21, Thelwall.

The incident involved three vehicles, a black Peugeot 107, a Peugeot 307 and a white Volkswagen Scirocco driven by Yates.

The driver of the Peugeot 107, 41-year-old Christopher Smith from St Helens, died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the collision.

Yates appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, December 14 where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen.

Yates was remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday, January 20, 2023.

Following his death, Mr Smith's family 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.”