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Dramatic video released of 124mph police chase involving drink-driver from Hunton, near Maidstone

By: Liane Castle lcastle@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 15:49, 26 April 2021

Updated: 17:07, 26 April 2021

Dramatic video footage has been released of a drink-driver who was involved in a 124mph police chase before causing a head-on collision.

Leon Karaloucas, of East Street, Hunton, near Maidstone, has been jailed for three years and eight months at Lewes Crown Court after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, causing serious injury and drink-driving.

Watch the moment he drove away from cops.

He was also banned from driving for five years and 10 months and ordered to take an extended re-test.

The 34-year-old was caught after he drove past an unmarked police car in a white Seat Leon Cupra and failed to stop at the request of the officers.

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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.

The pensioner's car after Karaloucas crashed into it. Picture: SWNS

“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.

“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 legal limit is 80mg.”

Leon Karaloucas has been jailed for three years and eight months. Picture: SWNS

PC Richard Brand said Karaloucas drove at speeds in excess of 100mph in a zone with a 60mph speed limit.

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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.”

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To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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