The 27-year-old driver involved in a dramatic car chase early Tuesday morning in Thessaloniki has been remanded in custody. He was found guilty of dangerous driving, theft, and property damage, receiving a total prison sentence of 27 months. The court decided he will serve six months in prison, while the rest of his sentence is suspended for three years.

According to the indictment, the young man stole a car in the Evosmos area and was soon noticed by police due to his suspicious behavior. When police signaled for him to stop, he sped away, leading to a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, the driver made dangerous maneuvers, ran red lights, and drove over sidewalks, eventually crashing into a pole and iron railings.

Even after the car was immobilized, the driver attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by police.

In his defense, the 27-year-old admitted to the crimes but claimed he was drunk at the time. He explained, “The keys were in the car’s door. I was drunk, I wouldn’t have done it otherwise. I was heading home, saw the keys, and decided to take the car for a joyride. I sped, ran the stop signs, and did what the officer said. I was scared and didn’t stop. I took the car by mistake.”

It was also revealed that the defendant was on parole for a previous crime at the time of the incident.