A man accused of causing the death of a six-month-old baby in a multi-story car park while under the influence of drink and drugs has been pictured for the first time.
Relatives of little Sophia Kelemen have told how ‘a seemingly ordinary day turned into our family’s worst nightmare’.
Now Flaviu Naghi, 33, has been remanded in custody accused of a string of offences including death by dangerous driving following last Thursday’s tragedy in Tenby, Pembrokeshire.
He was also charged with driving without a licence and without insurance.
Relatives have launched an appeal to repatriate Sophia’s body back to her family’s native Romania.
Writing on GoFundMe, her aunt Adriana posted: ‘Never in a million years would I have thought I would have to write a post like this.
‘A seemingly ordinary day turned into our family’s worst nightmare.
‘A driver hit the pram in which little Sophia was in a supermarket car park.
Flaviu Naghi who has been accused of causing the death of a six-month-old baby in a multi-story car park while under the influence of drink and drugs has been pictured for the first time
Photo issued by Dyfed-Powys Police of 6-month-old Sophia Kelemen, from the Leigh, Manchester area
Six-month-old Sophia Kelemen held by her mother. The baby was airlifted to the hospital with a broken pelvis and a brain bleed and was ultimately diagnosed with brain damage due to the impact
‘The baby was airlifted to the hospital with a broken pelvis and a brain bleed and was ultimately diagnosed with brain damage due to the impact.
‘Despite the efforts of the doctors, Sophia could not cope with the impact, the surgery, anaesthesia, the brain bleed and all the injuries were too much for her fragile heart, which eventually gave out.
‘I hope to ease a very small part of my brother and sister in law’s hurt and suffering and raise part of the necessary funds required for the funeral costs and repatriation, as this was an event no one could have ever expected or planned for, especially right after the Christmas holidays.’
Both Naghi and Sophia’s family are from Leigh, near Wigan, Greater Manchester.
Naghi’s wife has shared details of the fundraiser on social media.
Relatives are seeking to raise almost £7,000.
At the time of the tragedy in the seaside town, witnesses said they heard shouting and commotion in the car park, which is beside a Sainsbury’s store.
One told the Pembrokeshire Herald: ‘I was in Tenby and saw the helicopter hovering, then heard loads of sirens and didn’t know what was going on, then when I drove past the multi-storey in Park Road I saw loads of blue lights and people gathered.
Flaviu Naghi, 33, has been remanded in custody accused of a string of offences including death by dangerous driving following last Thursday’s tragedy in Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Naghi was also charged with driving without a licence and without insurance. He will appear before Swansea Crown Court on 7th February
‘It happened right near the motorcycle section of the car park, so the very front near Sainsbury’s.
‘This looks to be a very serious incident judging by the large emergency vehicle response.’
Sophia is believed to have been visiting the popular resort with her family and friends when she was hit by a Nissan Qashqai.
She was taken to hospital with critical injuries but died the following day.
A spokeswoman for Dyfed Powys Police said: ‘Sadly, we can confirm that a 6-month-old baby girl has died following a collision on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Tenby on January 2.
‘Sophia Kelemen, from the Leigh, Manchester area, was taken to hospital but died of her injuries on January 3. Our thoughts remain with her family at this difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.
Six-month-old Sophia Kelemen held by her father. She is believed to have been visiting the popular seaside town with her family and friends when she was hit by a Nissan Qashqai
Six-month-old Sophia Kelemen, from the Leigh, Manchester area, held by her father with her mother and elder brother
‘Flaviu Naghi, aged 33, from Wigan, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a license and without insurance.
‘He was charged and remanded to appear before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 4th January, where he was further remanded to appear before Swansea Crown Court on 7th February.
‘He was also arrested on suspicion of drink driving and drug driving and has been released on bail for these offences.’
