First picture of driver accused of killing six-month-old baby in car park crash
Flaviu Naghi, the driver accused of causing the death of a “smiley and bubbly” baby girl, Sophia Kelemen, by hitting her pram in a multi-storey car park, made his appearance in court. The tragic incident occurred on January 2 in Tenby, resulting in severe brain injuries for little Sophia, who was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales but sadly did not survive. Visiting Pembrokeshire for a holiday from Greater Manchester, Sophia’s family described the event as turning their “seemingly ordinary day into our family’s worst nightmare”.
Flaviu Naghi, residing in Irvine Street, Leigh, Greater Manchester, faced charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance in connection to the incident. Represented by his barrister, Dean Pulling, Naghi appeared via videolink from prison at Swansea Crown Court on February 7 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The defence requested that the defendant not be arraigned, indicating an upcoming application to dismiss the charges based on the argument that Naghi did not have control of the car at the time of the accident. Pulling emphasised that accidents are not always a result of criminal acts.
The court set a date of March 21 to hear the application to dismiss the charges, with a provisional trial date scheduled for June 2. Naghi remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. The family of Sophia Kelemen, devastated by the loss of their baby girl, paid their respects to her memory following the tragic incident in the car park. The touching tribute highlights the heartache experienced by her loved ones as they navigate the aftermath of the devastating event.
The case has garnered significant attention and emotional responses, with the community and beyond expressing sympathy for the family and concern for the circumstances surrounding the accident. The upcoming legal proceedings will further delve into the details of the incident and determine the course of justice in light of the tragic outcome. As both sides prepare for the legal battle ahead, the memory of little Sophia Kelemen remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for accountability in cases of such heartbreaking loss.
The court setting and legal procedures surrounding the case reflect the gravity of the charges faced by Flaviu Naghi and the impact of the incident on all involved. The journey towards seeking justice for Sophia Kelemen will unfold through the legal process, with the court system tasked with unravelling the complexities of the tragic event in Tenby. The courtroom proceedings serve as a platform for both sides to present their arguments and evidence, ultimately seeking resolution and closure in the wake of a devastating loss.
The community response to the news of the court appearance and legal developments underscores the empathy and support extended to the family of Sophia Kelemen during this challenging time. The outpouring of compassion and solidarity reflects a shared sense of sorrow at the loss of a young life and a collective desire for justice to be served in the case. As the legal proceedings progress, the focus remains on honouring the memory of Sophia and ensuring accountability for the circumstances that led to the heartbreaking tragedy in the car park.