Story By: Ana Marjanovic, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
Video Credit:CEN
This footage lasting almost half an hour shows a teenage daredevil bike allegedly committing dozens of traffic offences in the Croatian holiday town of Split as he speeds around the busy streets pulling stunts.
In the 24-minute video around the historic city, the 19-year-old motorist can be seen as he makes more than 80 traffic violations, recording the whole thing while as he chases through the city to gain footage for his YouTube channel.
The ancient city is home to a palace that was built for the Roman emperor Diocletian in AD 305 and the city was founded as the Greek colony of Aspalathos in around the 3rd century BC.
Dubbed ‘Split’s answer to Mad Max’ by local media, only his first name Adrian was made public and after appearing in the Misdemeanour Court of Split he was punished with a total of 80 days in prison and a fine of 14,000 HRK (1,607 GBP).
The court justified the decision by giving the maximum 50-day penalty for travelling above the 50 kph (30 mph) speed limit and an additional 30 days for the frequent occasions (seven times) when he went through a red light without stopping.
For non-criminal offences (driving in the opposite direction, overtaking in a tunnel, etc.), he received a financial penalty, and for all the offences he was also given a two-year driving ban.
His Suzukiju GXS 1000, however, which under previous laws would have been confiscated was not taken away as it is no longer allowed.
While awaiting custody over the stunt, his father spoke to local media saying: “He will have to figure everything out in his head. He can’t come home now and think everything’s OK. He just can’t, let him sit there and let him think about things without his phone, his girlfriend, his parents. Let him think about how he will behave when he comes out. As an adult, or as a child.”
He then added that all the penalties that Adrian received for his stunt would have to be paid out of his pocket money.
Adrian, before he was sent to jail, told local media: “I made that video two weeks ago. I bought a new camera and just went for a little ride through the city. I was talking without a radio linkup and my goal was not to break the law. I have been passionate about cars and engines since I was 10 years old. While my father was flying as a pilot, I practised driving at the airport. And I learned. I borrowed his car, drove around town without a driving licence.”
But he also said: “These are minor offences. I pay the fine and move on. So far I’ve collected a dozen of them. But you will never catch me driving drunk, let alone too fast. I didn’t even have an accident because I anticipate situations, I’m one step ahead of other drivers.”
The young man had already been convicted six times in the past on the grounds of traffic offences.
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