# 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.
- Title: Romanian man jailed for eight years after Christmas Eve…
- Summary: Romanian national sentenced to eight years for killing man in Christmas Eve drink-driving crash and requesting deportation. Romanian national Nicolae Brica…
- Keywords: nicolae brica, norwich, christmas eve, drink-driving, death, court, deportation, crash, legal limit, news, entertainment, Romanian
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16193883/Romanian-killed-man-Christmas-Eve-drink-driving-crash-jailed-eight-years-court-deported.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-08T17:29:39+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nicolae brica, norwich, christmas eve, drink-driving, death, court, deportation, uk, crash, legal limit, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.