A Romanian veterinary surgeon convicted of drink-driving offences in his home country has been permitted to retain his professional licence in the United Kingdom, specifically to prevent his deportation by the Home Office. Tudor Herlea, who began working as the lead surgeon at Vets4Pets in Blackpool in July 2024, consumed beer and vodka during an evening before being stopped by police in a routine check, with blood alcohol levels recorded at one and a half times the legal limit.
Legal Proceedings and Tribunal Findings
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) disciplinary committee heard that Herlea committed the drink-driving offence in Romania in February 2023 and was convicted by Cluj-Napoca Court in March 2024, four months prior to his arrival in Britain. At the time of the incident, he was already banned from driving due to a previous speeding violation where he exceeded the speed limit by more than double on a road in December 2022.
Mitigating Circumstances and Panel Deliberation
Herlea claimed in his statement that he drove to purchase heart medication for his unwell father after consuming alcohol, but the tribunal noted he could have used alternative transportation such as a taxi. The panel concluded his actions posed a risk to other road users and rendered him unfit to practice, yet decided against suspension.
The committee emphasized that suspending Herlea from the veterinary register would lead to his deportation under current Home Office guidelines, as his work permit would be invalidated. They deemed this outcome disproportionate, stating that while his misconduct was serious, mitigating factors warranted allowing him to continue practicing to avoid permanent removal from the UK.
Implications for Professional Regulation
This case highlights tensions between professional disciplinary measures and immigration enforcement, raising questions about how regulatory bodies balance public safety with individual circumstances. The RCVS panel acknowledged the public interest in addressing severe conduct but prioritized avoiding deportation over imposing a suspension that would effectively end Herlea's career in Britain.
Herlea proactively informed the RCVS of his conviction upon arriving in the UK, admitting it affected his fitness to practice. The decision has sparked discussion on the consistency of veterinary standards and the role of criminal convictions in professional licensing, particularly for overseas practitioners working under sponsored visas.
