Moment drink-driver sped off after being stopped by police and officers on terrifying 124MPH chase before his crashing head-on into 68-year-old woman’s BMW
- Leon Karaloucas, 34, from Kent, led police in a chase through Lewes, east Sussex
- He was then involved in crash with BMW causing extensive damage to both cars
- He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, causing serious injury and drink-driving
- Karaloucas has since been jailed for three years and eight months
- Also banned from driving for five years 10 months and ordered to take a re-test
This is the shocking moment a drunk driver led police on a terrifying 124mph car chase before causing a head-on collision.
Police have released dramatic footage of Leon Karaloucas, from Maidstone, Kent, leading officers on a chase through Lewes, east Sussex.
The 34-year-old was spotted after driving past an unmarked police car in a white Seat Leon Cupra.
He failed to stop at the request of the officers and led police on a high-speed pursuit that was eventually aborted as it was considered ‘too dangerous’.
Just minutes later a head-on crash was reported involving the speeding car and a BMW 116 – causing extensive damage to both vehicles.
Karaloucas was pulled from the wreckage of his Seat and taken to hospital for treatment.
The BMW driver, a 68-year-old woman, sustained multiple fractures and was also taken to hospital.
Karaloucas has since been jailed for three years and eight months at Lewes Crown Court after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, causing serious injury and drink-driving.
He was also banned from driving for five years and 10 months and ordered to take an extended re-test.
Police have released dramatic footage of Leon Karaloucas, from Maidstone, Kent, leading officers on a chase through Lewes, east Sussex
A Sussex Police spokesman said: ‘The pursuit continued through Lewes towards Ringmer, where the driver eventually pulled over onto the pavement.
‘But as officers pulled up behind and were getting out of their vehicle, the Seat accelerated away.
‘Police reached speeds of 124mph as they attempted to catch up with the car, but it was out of sight and the pursuit was aborted as it was considered too dangerous.
‘Just minutes later and less than half a mile from where police called it off, a crash was reported involving the speeding vehicle and a BMW 116.
The 34-year-old was spotted after driving past an unmarked police car in a white Seat Leon Cupra before later being involved in a head-on collision
Karaloucas was pulled from the wreckage of his Seat Leon Cupra (pictured) and taken to hospital for treatment following the collision
‘Investigations revealed the driver had overtaken another vehicle on approach to a left-hand bend, contravening a double solid white line, and crashed head-on into the BMW, causing extensive damage to both.
‘He was pulled from his car by a local resident and taken to hospital for treatment.
‘The BMW driver, a 68-year-old local woman, sustained multiple fractures and was also taken to hospital.’
‘Karaloucas provided a sample of blood for analysis which revealed he had 111mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in his system.
The BMW (pictured) driver, a 68-year-old woman, sustained multiple fractures and was also taken to hospital
Karaloucas has since been jailed for three years and eight months at Lewes Crown Court after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, causing serious injury and drink-driving
‘The legal limit is 80mg.’
PC Richard Brand said Karaloucas drove at speeds in excess of 100mph in a zone with a 60mph speed limit.
He said: ‘Police called off the pursuit, however Karaloucas continued to drive in a dangerous manner and was involved in a serious collision with a member of public’s vehicle, causing extensive damage and serious injuries to the female driver.
‘Driving in a dangerous or careless manner on the roads of Sussex will not be accepted.’