Romanian driver charged with deadly Christmas crash asks court for deportation after sentence
Nicolae Brica, a 48-year-old Romanian, faces a jail term for a December 24 crash in Norwich that killed Thomas Plane and injured his brother, and he told the court he wants to be deported after serving his sentence.
On Christmas Eve, Nicolae Brica, a 48-year-old Romanian resident of Norwich, drove his Renault Megane onto a sidewalk, colliding with two brothers and causing a fatal crash. The impact pinned Thomas Plane, 28, beneath the vehicle, leading to his death from chest injuries, while his brother James was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening wounds. Police measured Brica’s breath alcohol at 68 mg per 100 ml, nearly double the legal limit of 35 mg.
He had already admitted to driving while intoxicated and faced charges of causing death and serious injury by careless driving. In court, Judge Katharine Moore heard Brica, who uses an interpreter, state that he would like to be deported after completing his prison term, which could be as long as six years. The case was adjourned for sentencing on October 8, and Brica remains on bail with travel and driving restrictions.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe consequences of drink-driving and raises questions about immigration status and deportation after criminal convictions.
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