Porsche carjacker’s number up as police track phone

A man who allegedly carjacked a woman in a Porsche 4WD using a “stun gun” was a serial driving offender who was caught stealing the car on CCTV and dashcam, a court has heard. The woman made a quick escape and police tracked her phone which was still in the $125,000 car.

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A man who allegedly carjacked a woman in a Porsche 4WD using a “stun gun” was a serial driving offender who was caught stealing the car on CCTV and dashcam, a court heard on Tuesday.

Steven Krotiris, 42, allegedly jumped in the front passenger seat of the white 2015 Porsche Macan as the woman, 52, was starting the car on the top level of southeast Sydney’s Eastgardens shopping centre at 5pm on Monday.

A woman is treated at the scene where a Porsche was allegedly car at Eastgardens shopping centre on Monday. Picture: TNV

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Police said Krotiris, a disqualified driver, “told the woman to drive” while holding what she said was a stun gun.

She ran to the aid of onlookers as Krotiris allegedly got behind the wheel and drove out of the carpark.

At the scene, the woman told highway patrol officers that her phone was still in her Macan, a model which fetches up to $125,000 new.

Police began tracking the device and the car was found in Eastlakes about 30 minutes later.

The victim was starting the Porsche Macan 4WD when a man jumped into the vehicle.

Police spotted Krotiris coming out of nearby bushes and he was arrested.

He was charged with aggravated take motor vehicle with person in it or armed with weapon — which carries up to 14 years’ jail if proven — and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.

He applied for bail in Central Local Court on Tuesday but it was denied, partly because of his “lengthy criminal history”.

Police speak with a woman and other bystanders at Eastgardens on Bunnerong Rd, Maroubra, on Monday. Picture: TNV

Magistrate Robert Williams said Krotiris had struggled with drug addiction, dishonesty offences and “has a number of matters which relate to motor vehicle theft”.

He said the prosecution case was strong on account of CCTV and dashcam systems capturing the alleged offences along with several witnesses.

Westfield Eastgardens

Krotiris argued through his Legal Aid solicitor that his elderly parents were ill and his fiancee was prepared to post $300 surety for his bail.

Mr Williams said it was likely he would serve a full-time sentence if found guilty.

The case has been adjourned to March 26.

The victim told police she was threatened with a device she believes may have been a stun gun.