A ST HELENS man has admitted to causing the deaths of a taxi driver and a passenger in a crash on the East Lancs Road in court today (Tuesday, February 25).

Ryan Howard, 27, of Windermere Avenue, Clinkham Wood, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court charged with two counts of death by dangerous driving.

The fatal incident, involving a BMW and a Ford Mondeo private hire taxi, happened in Croxteth on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 5.10am.

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The taxi driver and his passenger were taken to hospital with serious injuries but both later passed away.

The 51-year-old taxi driver, David Sherwin, died on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 in hospital.

The 35-year-old passenger, mum-of-two Michelle Jennings, died on the day of the crash in hospital.

St Helens Star:

Ryan Howard appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today

Following the crash, which took place in Croxteth, Liverpool, Michelle's "distraught" family paid tribute to her.

Michelle, 35 and from Fazakerley, was on her way to work in the taxi when the tragedy happened.

Her devastated family included husband Ged, five-year-old daughter Sophia and son Harry, aged seven.

In paying tribute to his "beautiful" wife Ged said: “She was the most lovely person ever. Her kids were her world.

"Family was her everything. I am beyond distraught. I didn’t deserve her.”

Appearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Howard pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

He will be sentenced back at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, March 20.