Driver admits killing one and injuring three others in M6 collision

A driver who drove the wrong way along the M6 before hitting another car has admitted a number of offences.

Christian Taylor, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court today (Tuesday 13 December).

Just after 4.30am on Friday 14 October, officers from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) were called to the southbound carriageway, near junction 1, following a report that a black BMW 5 Series had collided with a blue Nissan Juke.

Following the collision all four of the occupants of the Juke were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries.

One of the occupants – 35-year-old David Draghita from Sutton Coldfield – died as a result of his injuries on 16 October.

Two other occupants have since been discharged from hospital but a third – a woman in her 50s – is continuing to receive treatment.

An investigation found that Taylor – of Preston-on-Stour in Warwickshire – had been driving the BMW north on the southbound carriageway.

Detective Sergeant Ed Des-Chanelle, from the SCIU, said: “During our investigation, we found that Taylor was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.

“He’s now facing a prison sentence and must now face up to the consequences of his actions. I hope, as we near the festive season, that this serves as a warning to anyone who thinks it’s okay to drive while under the influence.”

Taylor will be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on 3 February.