Newport man jailed for causing friend’s death drink-driving

A Newport man has been jailed for more than five years after admitting causing the death of his close friend while driving almost three times over the legal alcohol limit.

Victor Rotundu, 32, lost control of his grey Citroën C4 on the M32 northbound near junction one and collided with a tree at around 10.13am on Sunday, 6 October 2024.

His passenger and close friend, Andrei Griguta, 37, from Bristol, was pronounced dead at the scene. Rotundu was taken to hospital and later discharged.

A toxicology report revealed Rotundu had 222 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood at the time of the collision – nearly three times the legal limit of 80.

At Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, 23 October, Rotundu pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while over the legal alcohol limit and was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.

He was also banned from driving for seven years and eight months and must pass an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road.

In a moving statement read in court, Mr Griguta’s wife said:

“I miss Andrei so much. There have been many times I felt I couldn’t move on without him. I think of him every single day. I will love him for the rest of my life no matter what. Andrei was a great man that everyone who met him will remember and miss very much. We have all been blessed that he was in our life, even for a short period of time.”

Designated Investigating Officer Adrian Wainwright said:

“No prison sentence can repair the loss of Mr Griguta’s life, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult time.

“Victor Rotundu has admitted his guilt and bears the responsibility for his friend’s death. He chose to get behind the wheel while more than two and three-quarter times the legal limit for alcohol.

“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs puts you, your passengers, and other road users at risk of death or serious injury. It’s shocking that anyone thinks it’s acceptable.”