Sarantis Parissos jailed for six years over hit-run with police and theft of police car

A former seafood heir and pro footballer has been given a hefty sentence after he was involved in a series of altercations with police.

A once professional footballer who dragged a female police officer in a horrific hit-run has been locked up for six years.

Former seafood heir Sarantis Parissos, 41, also brazenly stole a police car in a separate incident after his life spiralled out of control.

At the time of his arrest, police spotted Parissos in a black Range Rover SUV speeding along Sir Donald Bradman Drive, near Lockleys in January 2022.

The PolAir helicopter tracked the car through backstreets from above and directed patrols to Merlin Rd, Fulham Gardens.

Several police officers approached the car in a bid to apprehend Parissos but he reversed and dragged the female officer for several metres before driving off.

He then dumped the car near Grange Rd and ran off.

Police attempted to confront Parissos, but he ran into the path of oncoming traffic and was struck by a car.

He was taken to hospital with a broken neck, while the female police officer was also taken to hospital.

Parissos, of West Lakes, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including driving dangerously to escape police pursuit and hindering a police officer and thereby causing harm. Picture: Facebook.

In her victim impact statement, the female officer said the incident tipped her life upside down and left her “frozen in pain”.

“2022 was the worst year of my life, physically and mentally,” she said.

“My health is worth more than being treated like a speed bump for someone who had a complete disregard for other people’s lives.”

Parissos also stole a patrol car in front of officers back in December 2021.

The incident occurred on Copley St at Broadview, with bodycam footage of the incident released showing the confrontation between police and Parissos.

The officer who was injured during the incident said his life had changed dramatically after suffering a dislocated shoulder when he was thrown 10m from the vehicle.

“I knew if the gear stick was put into drive, I was in extreme danger of being flung across a main road at speed, which would have likely killed me or seriously injured me,” he said.

Parissos, of West Lakes, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including driving dangerously to escape police pursuit and hindering a police officer and thereby causing harm.

Tim Clarke, for Parissos, previously told the court it was acknowledged his client’s decisions were “catastrophically bad” and at a time when he was using drugs.

The court heard Parissos, who had written an apology letter to the officers, had previously worked for his father’s business, Parissos Seafoods, which has since been sold.

The court heard Parissos, a father, was a talented footballer who previously played professionally in Greece before suffering injuries.

In sentencing, Judge Rauf Soulio said police officers need to be protected while they pursue their duties.

He sentenced Parissos to six years and four months jail, with a non-parole period of five years and one month.

The sentence was backdated to April 17, 2022.

Parissos was also disqualified from driving for four years.

Outside court, Police Association President Wade Burns told media police officers need to come home safely to their families.

“It was pleasing to see in this matter a reasonably significant sentence was handed down and it shows that police must be protected,” he said.

Originally published as Sarantis Parissos jailed for six years over hit-run with police and theft of police car