A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison for a reckless chase through the streets of Palma. This is his sixth conviction for driving offences, with a history dating back to 2018.
The sixth conviction for the same repeat offender in Palma. A 28-year-old man accepted a sentence of two years and one day in prison yesterday for a dangerous chase that took place on May 11, 2025. The accused, who lacked a driving licence, was involved in a pursuit that lasted several minutes and endangered the lives of pedestrians and officers.
A Chase That Could Have Ended in Tragedy
The events began at 15:15 on Manuel Azaña Street, near the Civil Guard Command. Upon seeing a patrol car, the driver of a Volkswagen Golf made a sharp manoeuvre to flee. During the chase, he ran several red lights, mounted the pavement, and forced several pedestrians to jump aside to avoid being run over.
On Vicari Joaquim Fuster Street, several people crossing at a pedestrian crossing had to jump to avoid the vehicle. Two Civil Guard motorcyclists were also nearly hit on Benet Pons i Fàbregas Street. The escape continued through Ciudad de la Plata, Manacor, Timó, and Santueri streets, where the car lost control and mounted the pavement, nearly hitting two people.
The End of the Chase: A Traffic Jam and Arrest
The driver returned to the Vía de Cintura and went back to the Manuel Azaña area, running more red lights. On Miquel Dolç Street, the passenger jumped out of the moving car. Finally, on Metge Josep Darder Street, the accused encountered a traffic jam, abandoned the vehicle, and attempted to flee on foot. He was captured shortly after by National Police officers.
The young man had already been convicted five times previously between 2018 and 2024: three times for driving without a licence and twice for reckless driving. The prosecution initially requested two years and nine months in prison, but a plea agreement between his lawyer and the prosecutor reduced the sentence to two years and one day, with the aggravating factor of recidivism. The hearing was held via videoconference from the prison where he was already incarcerated for previous convictions.
Recurring Recidivism on Palma's Roads
The case highlights a recurring problem in Palma: drivers accumulating convictions without the penalties deterring them. Residents in the Manuel Azaña and Portitxol areas expressed their concern upon learning of the sentence. "We hope he serves the full sentence this time," commented one resident, although the reality is that many prison sentences of less than two years are often suspended in Spain. In this case, since the sentence exceeds two years, imprisonment is effective.
The judge delivered the verdict immediately, and the ruling is now final. The accused will not be able to appeal. For the residents of Palma, the news is a relief, although many wonder how many more convictions will be necessary for such drivers to stop circulating on the streets.
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