Leon Karaloucas jailed for high speed chase through Lewes

Leon Karaloucas, 34, of East Street, Maidstone, Kent was pulled from his white Seat Leon Cupra after he fled police on September 24, 2019.

The pursuit reached speeds of 124mph, as officers attempted to stop Karaloucas, who sped past an unmarked police car on the A26 towards Beddingham around 8pm.

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 called off the and it was considered "too dangerous" but minutes later, a crash was reported involving the speeding vehicle and a BMW 116.

Investigations revealed Karaloucas had overtaken another vehicle on approach to a left-hand bend – contravening a double solid white line – and crashed head-on into the BMW, wrecking both cars.

The BMW driver – a 68-year-old local woman – sustained multiple fractures

The BMW driver – a 68-year-old local woman – sustained multiple fractures and was also taken to hospital.

In the 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.

He was subsequently summoned to court to face charges of dangerous driving; causing serious injury by dangerous driving; and drink-driving.

He pleaded guilty to all three offences, and at Lewes Crown Court on April 20, he was sentenced to three years and eight months’ imprisonment.

He was also disqualified from driving for five years and 10 months, and must take an extended re-test should he wish to drive again.

Investigating officer, PC Richard Brand, of the Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “On 24 September 2019, Karaloucas failed to stop for police and drove in a dangerous manner and exceeded speeds of 100mph in a 60mph speed limit.

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.

READ MORE >> Video: Andrew Smith lead police on high-speed Brighton chase

“In court, he was sentenced for the offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, and driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above the legal limit.

“Driving in a dangerous or careless manner on the roads of Sussex will not be accepted.

Leon Karaloucas was pulled from his white Seat Leon Cupra .

"Karaloucas made his own decision to drink and drive on that night, and his subsequent decision making has now cost him his freedom. Worse still is that another member of public sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision and is still receiving ongoing treatment.

“Excess speed, dangerous/careless driving and drink-driving are three of the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads.

"Motorists who commit these types of offences can expect to be dealt with robustly.”