### Driver Pleads Not Guilty in Tragic Car Park Death of Infant
A motorist accused of causing the death of a baby girl in a multi-storey car park in Pembrokeshire has denied all charges against him. The child, Sophia Kelemen, died after her pram was struck by a vehicle earlier this year while she was on a family holiday in Wales. The incident, which has devastated the Kelemen family, is now set to proceed to trial at Swansea Crown Court.
The fatal collision occurred on 2 January, in a public car park in Tenby, a popular seaside town. Sophia, who was described as a “smiley and bubbly” child by her relatives, was holidaying with her parents from Greater Manchester when the accident happened. According to reports, the family had been enjoying what was supposed to be a restful break, a sharp contrast to the tragedy that unfolded.
Emergency services were swiftly dispatched to the scene. An air ambulance was deployed and Sophia was transported in critical condition to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Despite the efforts of medical staff, her injuries were too severe and she died in hospital. The local community in both Pembrokeshire and Greater Manchester has since expressed its deep sorrow at the loss.
In the wake of the incident, police investigations led to charges being brought against 34-year-old Flaviu Naghi, of Irvine Street in Leigh, Greater Manchester. Mr Naghi appeared before Swansea Crown Court, facing two counts: causing death by dangerous driving, and causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink or drugs. On his first appearance, Mr Naghi entered not guilty pleas to both allegations. The court session was presided over by a panel with John Hipkin KC representing the defendant, while Tom Crowther KC acts for the Crown Prosecution Service.
The upcoming trial, scheduled for 2 June, is expected to last for a week, with both prosecution and defence preparing to present their arguments and witness testimonies. Legal observers anticipate that the proceedings will scrutinise the factors leading up to the accident, including the circumstances inside the car park at the time and any potential contributory issues such as driver impairment.
Sophia’s family has spoken publicly about their profound grief since her tragic passing. In an emotional tribute, they described how “a seemingly ordinary day turned into our family’s worst nightmare,” underlining the immeasurable impact the incident has had on their lives. Support for the grieving family has poured in from friends, relatives, and the wider community.
While the legal process unfolds, many in Tenby and beyond have struggled to come to terms with what happened. The case has highlighted the importance of safety within busy public spaces such as car parks, and has reignited conversations around road safety more broadly.
As the trial date approaches, attention will turn to Swansea Crown Court, where the facts of what happened on that fateful January day will be publicly examined. The proceedings are likely to be closely followed by both local residents and those further afield who have been touched by the story.
The Kelemen family, meanwhile, continue to face the difficult path of finding answers and closure following the loss of their daughter. The outcome of the trial will no doubt be significant to all involved, as the judicial system works to deliver justice in a case that has left a young life tragically cut short.