Romanian Drink Driver Convicted of Killing Man on Christmas Eve, Seeks Deportation

A Romanian national who killed a man and seriously injured his brother in a Christmas Eve crash has told a court he wishes to be deported after serving his prison sentence.

Nicolae Brica, 48, was driving with his Renault Megane almost twice the legal alcohol limit when the vehicle mounted a pavement in Norwich, England, striking the two brothers. Residents reported hearing screams and finding Thomas Plane, 28, trapped beneath the car. Plane was pronounced dead at the scene, while his brother James was hospitalized with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Brica, who has indefinite leave to remain in the UK, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, causing death by careless driving, and causing serious injury by careless driving. His sentencing has been adjourned until October 8.

During a previous hearing in July, a judge indicated that a custodial sentence was inevitable and could reach up to six years. Brica, who has used an interpreter during court proceedings, informed Judge Katharine Moore that he wishes to be deported following his sentence.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on December 24 of last year. An inquest that opened in March and was later adjourned heard that local residents described the scene as "horrific." Thomas Plane, who had reportedly been at a party with his brother before the crash, was found pinned beneath the vehicle.

Emergency services attended the scene but were unable to save Mr. Plane, who was from Stockport, Greater Manchester. His provisional cause of death was attributed to chest injuries sustained in the collision.

Brica, a factory worker who was arrested at the scene, registered 68mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit in the UK is 35mg.

The road was closed for several hours for investigations, and floral tributes were later laid at the site. Brica was granted bail at an earlier hearing with conditions prohibiting him from possessing or applying for international travel documents and from driving any vehicle.