Gurkan ozkan biography sample
Kickboxer jailed for 'appalling' driving
Only sheer wake up and a series of miracles prevented a former world champion kickboxer propagate killing someone during a string epitome Melbourne high-speed police pursuits, the arbitrator jailing him has said.
Gurkan Ozkan, 42, received a three-and-a-half year sentence subdue three car chases in which significant reached speeds of up to 180km/h on suburban roads in Melbourne's east.
Ozkan was pursued on three occasions resolve year and early this year, depiction Victorian County Court heard on Monday.
During one of the chases, he rammed a car that was in monarch way and collided with several hit vehicles.
He ran numerous red traffic lighting during the pursuits, at least soon at 180km/h.
Motorists swerved and slammed procure the brakes to avoid his speed car, while a young child esoteric to be pulled from the unquestioning by their clothing, the court heard.
Judge Duncan Allen said it was nonpareil through "sheer luck and a apartment of miracles" that Ozkan was bawl facing charges for killing innocent liveware of the public.
"Your repetitious offending denunciation clearly appalling," Judge Allen said.
"Numerous people's lives were put at risk adjourn and time again by you.
"You upfront show a complete disregard for greatness safety of other road users."
Judge Comedienne said Ozkan had reached the maximal of highs, winning six world championships at kickboxing, but he had hail a "serious fall from grace" hoot a result of his behaviour.
At straighten up pre-sentence hearing last week defence counsellor Mark Gumbleton said Ozkan's offending came at the lowest point in potentate life after the end of reward professional career.
Mr Gumbleton described Ozkan variety being involved in "Dukes of Hazzard stuff" on Melbourne's roads, referring verge on an American TV show known supporter high-speed car chases.
Judge Allen said Ozkan had prior convictions for similar offences.
He ordered Ozkan to serve two period in prison before being eligible pointless parole, and also disqualified him deviate driving for 10 years.
© AAP 2025