Christmas Eve drink drive tragedy left one man dead and another behind bars

Staffordshire Police highlight case to show dangers of getting behind wheel while under influence during this festive season

- By Post & Times reporter

TWO strangers both went out to enjoy themselves on Christmas Eve in North Staffordshire one was left dead and the other is languishing behind bars.

The tragedy destroyed two families but could have easily been avoided if one hadn't foolishly got behind the wheel after a big boozing session.

Killer driver Mark Plimmer had downed pints, Jagerbombs, Jagermeister and Red Bull chasers and was on his way home when he smashed into a group of friends leaving Charalambos Nicolaou fatally injured and two others badly hurt.

Staffordshire Police are now highlighting the horrific case to show the harrowing realities of drink and drug driving this Christmas.

Plimmer, 29, of Blythe Bridge, also known as Mark Mellor, is currently serving an 18-year sentence after he went drinking at different pubs in Tean and Hollington in 2023. He was boozing and laughing and joking with bar staff.

He then got in his car at about 7pm and drove at more than double the speed limit and lost control. He crashed into another car on Uttoxeter Road, Draycott-in-the-Moors.

Charalambos, aged 62, was just getting into the other car when Plimmer hit him.