A Romanian national who was jailed for killing Team GB triathlete Rebecca Comins has lost an appeal against his deportation from the UK.

Vasile Barbu, 50, was driving a van when he struck and killed Comins, 52, during a time trial cycling race in South Wales in June 2022. He was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.

Barbu had claimed he did not realize he had hit the cyclist, stating he believed a noise inside his van was from a falling parcel. However, investigators determined that Comins, who was using a bright flashing light on her bike, was visible for at least 18 seconds before the collision. The dual carriageway where the incident occurred had warning signs in place for the cycling event, and other cyclists were present.

An immigration tribunal heard that Barbu moved to the UK in 2022 to work as a pub chef and later became a pub owner. He argued that he identified with British culture and considered the UK his permanent home. Despite these claims, Judge Ian Boyes ruled that the crime was not an accident and that deportation would not breach Barbu's rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights concerning private and family life.

"The nature of the offending is important. This was not an accident. It was not a slight misjudgement," the judge stated. "It was committed using a vehicle which should not have been on the road. It was overladen and deficient. These matters compound the nature and seriousness of the offending."

The judge concluded that the public interest in deportation significantly outweighed Barbu's private and family life considerations, affirming that deporting him would not violate the UK's obligations under Article 8.

Comins was a decorated triathlete who had represented Wales and competed for the Great Britain Age Group Team at European and World Championships. She was the Vintage Veteran Champion of the Welsh Triathlon Super Series at the time of her death. Tributes from Welsh Triathlon and her associated clubs described her as a fierce competitor with an infectious positivity and energy.

Barbu was disqualified from driving for four years in addition to his prison sentence.