The killer driver who smashed into group of friends as they left restaurant
This is the killer driver who has been jailed for 18 years after a 'much-loved' dad died in a crash on Christmas Eve. Mark Plimmer, 28, had drunk pints, Jagerbombs, Jagermeister and Red Bull chasers at pubs in Tean and Hollington when he decided to get behind the wheel.
After briefly going home, he drove his Vauxhall Vectra at at 'terrifyingly' high speed from Blythe Bridge to Draycott in the Moors before losing control on Uttoxeter Road and careering into a Hyundai close to La Villa Verde Italian restaurant where four friends had just enjoyed a meal.
The impact caused the death of Charalambos Nicolaou, aged 62, who was visiting from Cyprus. He was pronounced dead at the scene having been initially trapped under the Vauxhall.
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His daughter, Polyxeni, then aged 17, escaped without any serious injuries but their friends, Angelos Nicola and his wife, Julia Nicola-Sakka were seriously injured and spent weeks in the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Plimmer - also known as Mark Mellor - was trapped in the Vauxhall and freed by restaurant staff. He went to a nearby property and asked for family and friends to collect him. He ran away and was found by police hiding in a hedge.
He was charged on Christmas Day. The defendant, of Woodlands Lane, Blythe Bridge, denied causing death by dangerous driving and two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving but was convicted of all three charges after a trial in July. He pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident; driving without insurance; driving without a licence; and failing to provide a specimen of breath or blood for analysis
During his trial in July, Plimmer said that the car was being driven by another person who he refused to name. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Plimmer, the driver and sole occupant according to witness evidence, was initially trapped in the vehicle, which caught fire, but climbed out of the rear window after local residents who had heard the crash smashed the glass. He was identified by a number of witnesses following identification procedures.
CCTV evidence gathered during the investigation showed Plimmer had been drinking in a number of pubs before driving that night but he refused a request to provide a specimen of breath or blood for analysis.
Forensic Collision Investigator, PC Brian Lovatt, also told the court that the Vauxhall had been seen on CCTV 110 metres before the collision scene and calculations showed the car was travelling at 81mph. The speed limit for the road is 40mph.
Speaking after the case, PC Jon Stant, who investigated the collision, said “This horrific collision caused the death of Charalambos and serious injuries to his two friends who are still recovering from their injuries.
“Charalambos was in the country with his daughter visiting friends for Christmas. The fact that the collision occurred in front of his daughter on Christmas Eve is even more devastating.
“Mark Plimmer got behind the wheel of a car that night having consumed a large amount of alcohol. He was not legally allowed to drive the car and the speed that he was travelling at was dangerous. His poor decision making that day led to this tragic and avoidable collision.
“For Plimmer to run from the scene while other members of the public rushed to help shows his blatant disregard for anyone else, his failure to accept responsibility for his actions has led to additional and unnecessary trauma for those involved.
“I would like to thank all the witnesses who came forward and provided evidence to assist the investigation and particularly the family of Charalambos who have waited patiently for justice throughout this difficult time.”
The court heard moving statements from the victims and other family members. Polyxeni is now an orphan as her mum died of cancer when she was aged six.
Julia spent five weeks in hospital and suffers from vertigo. She also suffered permanent scarring to her forehead. She has now lost her confidence and feels angry and emotional.
She added: "Christmas will never be the same. How can someone be so selfishly reckless? He has taken the life of a brilliant father and friend and nothing can fix that. We remain in close contact with Polyxeni. We will do whatever it takes to facilitate her happy future."
Angelos had to be resuscitated at the scene. He suffered grave injuries and spent a month in hospital.
He said: "Myself and my wife are forever changed. This will stay with us forever."
Plimmer will serve two-thirds of the 18-year sentence before he is released on licence. He was banned from driving for 22 years and must take an extended test before he can drive again.