Nick Bril, owner of The Jane restaurant in Antwerp, allegedly knocked down a colleague while intoxicated
Double Michelin star chef, texted colleagues “I don't think we'll keep the trainee” after he allegedly hit a British trainee with a Land Rover while drunk in Belgium.
Nick Bril, owner of The Jane restaurant in Antwerp, did nothing. He is reported to have assisted his sous chef Joe Claridge, 37, within 10 minutes of the incident.
Mr Bril is said to have sent Whatsapp messages to a group of The Jane staff after running over Mr Claridge, who lost his legs and some internal organs in the incident.
Court sources said the chef wrote: “Guys.” , I just finished talking with our new intern. Complete knockout. Ambulance and police, everything connected. I don't think we'll keep Joe as an intern.”
Emergency services were only called after a passing jogger called on Mr Breel, who had photographed the victim on the ground, to do so. call, he allegedly did.
When they arrived, he did not tell paramedics he had run over Mr Claridge, only saying he was drunk, according to Belgian media reports.
The incident occurred in a private parking lot for staff near the restaurant building on January 8.
Joe Claridge, 37, lost both legs in the incident. Photo: Newsflash
Mr. Brill reportedly told authorities he drank “one glass of wine, then two negronis and two beers.” I then finished with the team with a few shots of tequila. I can't say how much. I think I could still drive.”
The victim was reportedly drunk that evening as it was a Sunday, when employees traditionally finish open bottles of wine and champagne.
At 6am there were eight more people at the party before Mr Claridge left. to the taxi rank in front of the restaurant.
According to CCTV footage reportedly seen by investigators, Mr. Bril left the restaurant and walked towards his Land Rover.
Not shown in the footage as Mr Claridge fell to the ground, but the car is believed to have been captured at 6.20am apparently reversing where he lay before running over him a second time.
“I panicked.”
Mr Bril got out of the car and walked towards Mr Claridge. The chef reportedly said he tried to wake him up, “but it didn't work and I panicked.”
The runner showed up at 6:29 a.m. and asked Briel why he didn't call an ambulance. He later told local media that the chef said he had a new phone that he didn't know how to use.
“The runner then approached the reception desk of a nearby hotel and asked them to call emergency services, who arrived and collected Mr Claridge. Claridge was in a coma for 50 days. Both of his legs had to be amputated.
Mr Bril was reportedly sitting in his car, ready to leave, but an ambulance blocked his way. Police reportedly gave him a breath test and determined his levels were higher than normal.
He is suspected of driving while intoxicated and causing the accident, as well as failure to provide immediate assistance.
Omar Suidi, Mr. Bril's lawyer, said local media that could not contact him. his client and thought he was likely overseas.
“I note that today journalists seem to have quicker access to undercover investigations than the parties directly involved,” he said.< /p>
“If this is indeed the case, this is shocking and a clear violation of, among other things, Nick Breel’s rights to defense and rights to a fair trial.”
Antwerp prosecutors declined to comment as the investigation continues was carried out. continues.
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