### Trial of Driver Accused in Tragic Death of Baby Sophia Postponed Until 2026
Legal proceedings against a motorist accused of causing the death of a six-month-old baby in a car park incident have been postponed for over a year, following last-minute developments in the case.
The defendant, Flaviu Naghi, 34, was set to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court this week facing charges relating to the death of Sophia Kelemen. Sophia, described by her family as a “smiley and bubbly” baby, was fatally injured in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, on 2 January this year after her pram was struck by a vehicle.
Sophia and her parents, originally from Greater Manchester, were in Pembrokeshire holidaying at the time of the incident, which occurred on their final day in Wales. The severity of Sophia’s injuries necessitated an emergency airlift to hospital, but tragically, she could not be saved.
Mr Naghi, who previously lived in Leigh, Greater Manchester, and now resides on Rondini Avenue, Luton, Bedfordshire, faces allegations including causing death by dangerous driving and death by careless driving whilst unfit due to drink or drugs. He has entered not guilty pleas to all charges and had been expected to appear in court as part of a short, three-day trial beginning Monday, 2 June.
However, proceedings were halted before the jury was sworn in following an application from the defence. Defence counsel, John Hipkin KC, cited late disclosure of crucial case material, stating that this new information necessitated the instruction of an expert witness to properly represent the accused. The legal manoeuvre led to a request for an adjournment.
This request faced opposition from prosecuting barrister Tom Crowther KC, who questioned the added value of further expert testimony for the jury and highlighted the emotional cost of ongoing delays for the family of the deceased. The prosecution’s stance underscored the continued distress postponements could inflict on all parties intimately connected to the case.
Presiding Judge Catherine Richards recognised that both sides had developed their cases based on an agreed factual premise but acknowledged that the late emergence of new material had shifted the landscape. She affirmed the defence’s right to additional expert analysis, noting, “The interests of justice require that both sides are given a fair opportunity to explore and address all issues raised by the evidence.”
Judge Richards openly criticised the timing of the developments, saying it was “regrettable to say the least”, yet ultimately decided that justice was best served by granting the postponement. As a result, a new trial date has been set for 5 January 2026, with Mr Naghi re-admitted to bail in the interim.
The impact on the family remains profound. In a heartfelt tribute released after Sophia’s death, her family said: “She was so smiley and bubbly. We used to say she was so advanced for her age. She really wanted to walk, and was really excited, playful and energetic. She was the cutest and most adorable girl who had just started babbling. It’s horrible we didn’t get the chance to see her grow up or make memories with her.”
This case continues to attract significant public attention, both due to the distressing nature of the events and the protracted legal process. The delays emphasise the complexities often encountered in the criminal justice system, especially when new evidence emerges unexpectedly.
Legal experts often remark upon the difficulties that late disclosures introduce, causing further hardship for both victims’ families and the accused, whose right to a fair trial must be observed. The adjournment highlights the balance courts must strike between timely justice and comprehensive, fair consideration of all available facts.
As the case is pushed into 2026, all eyes will be on Swansea Crown Court for its eventual resolution, with a community and family still seeking closure nearly two years after the fatal incident.