Romanian who killed a man in 'horrific' Christmas Eve drink-driving crash is jailed for eight years after telling court he wants to be deported

Published: 13:29 EDT, 8 October 2026 | Updated: 13:38 EDT, 8 October 2026 A Romanian national has been jailed after he killed a man in a 'horrific' Christmas Eve drink-driving crash.Nicolae Brica, 48, was almost twice the legal limit for driving when his Renault Megane mounted a pavement in Norwich and hit two brothers in the early hours of December 24 last year.Residents described hearing screams before finding Thomas Plane, 28, trapped beneath the vehicle.He was pronounced dead at the scene, while his brother James was taken to hospital with serious injuries.Brica was breathalysed at the scene and found to be almost double the drink-drive limit. Appearing at Norwich Crown Court today, Brica was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison and disqualified from driving for five years having pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving. The Romanian national had been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, and previously told Judge Katharine Moore that he 'would like to be deported after my sentence'.The court heard that Brica was driving in the early hours of Christmas Eve when he knocked down Thomas and James while they were cycling home. Nicolae Brica (pictured), 48, was almost twice the legal limit for driving when his Renault Megane mounted a pavement in Norwich and hit two brothers Police officers check the underside of the car as it is taken away from the scene of the accident in Norwich on Christmas Eve last yearThomas and James had been enjoying the festivities with friends and family when they fell into the road. One brother was tending to the other's injuries with the help of a member of the public when Brica collided with them both. Two police officers were on patrol in the area and came across the incident shortly after it had happened.Brica was breathalysed at the scene and gave a roadside result of 72 micrograms. The legal limit is 35.Speaking after the sentencing, DC Dylan Thomas said: 'This was a truly devastating incident which has had a lifelong impact on this family. 'A young man lost his life and his twin brother suffered serious injuries, all as a result of a driver choosing to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.'Our thoughts remain with their family and loved ones, who have shown immense dignity throughout this investigation and court process. We hope today's sentence provides them with some measure of closure.'This tragedy was entirely preventable. Brica made the decision to drive after drinking alcohol, and that decision had catastrophic consequences. We would urge everyone to think carefully before getting behind the wheel after drinking. One poor choice can change lives forever.'