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Romanian man jailed for eight years after Christmas Eve drink-driving crash
Romanian national sentenced to eight years for killing man in Christmas Eve drink-driving crash and requesting deportation.
In brief
Romanian national sentenced to eight years for killing man in Christmas Eve drink-driving crash and requesting deportation. Romanian national Nicolae Brica was jailed for eight years after causing a fatal Christmas Eve drink-driving crash in Norwich, UK, and told court he wanted to be deported. Originally reported by…
Romanian national jailed for eight years
Nicolae Brica, 48, was jailed for eight years after killing a man in a 'horrific' Christmas Eve drink-driving crash in Norwich.
Crash details
Brica drove his Renault Megane at almost double the legal limit, hitting two brothers cycling home on Christmas Eve 2026.
Victims
Thomas Plane, 28, died at the scene while his brother James was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Brica's breath test
Brica's breath test showed 72 micrograms, almost double the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
Court sentence
Brica received seven and a half years in prison and a five-year driving ban for causing death by careless driving.
Deportation request
Brica told the court he wanted to be deported after his sentence, having been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Police response
Two police officers responded to the incident after Brica hit the brothers cycling home on Christmas Eve 2026.
Police statement
Police said the crash was 'truly devastating' and had 'lifelong impact' on the victims' families.
Public reaction
Police urged the public to 'think carefully before getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol'.
Brica's background
Brica was driving in the early hours of Christmas Eve when he knocked down Thomas and James while they were cycling home.
Family impact
Thomas Plane's family has been affected by the crash, with his brother James suffering serious injuries.
Legal consequences
Brica pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, causing death by careless driving, and causing serious injury by careless driving.
Court details
Brica appeared at Norwich Crown Court on October 8, 2026, after the crash occurred on December 24, 2025.
Public safety message
Police emphasized that the crash was 'entirely preventable' by choosing not to drive after drinking alcohol.
Brica's plea
Brica admitted to driving after drinking alcohol, which led to the fatal crash.
Consequence
Brica's actions resulted in one death and serious injuries, with the family facing lifelong trauma.
The headline
Romanian national Nicolae Brica was jailed for eight years after causing a fatal Christmas Eve drink-driving crash in Norwich, UK, and told court he wanted to be deported.
