Dramatic video released of 124mph police chase of drink-driver

Police have released dramatic video footage of a drink-driver who was involved in a 124mph police chase before causing a head-on collision.

Leon Karaloucas, of East Street, Maidstone, Kent, 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.

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

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.

“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.”

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.”