Jailed: Telford thief fled police minders at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Jason Challoner, 28, pleaded guilty to the offence at Telford Magistrates on October 4.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday, Judge Peter Barrie sentenced Challoner, of Broadway Avenue, Trench, to four months imprisonment.

The court heard Challoner was arrested on September 2 for a theft but was taken to hospital for treatment for a head wound.

Simon Hunka, prosecuting, said: "After he was discharged, one of the officers minding him took the defendant outside for a cigarette. He said 'I don't like how my head feels, I don't feel right'. At which point he got up and ran away.

"He ran around a helipad and in the direction of the M54. Both officers gave chase and members of the public were helpful. He hid himself in what might have been a drainage pipe."

Challoner was detained within seven minutes of his escape the court heard.

Mr Hunka added: "When he was caught he said he knew he shouldn't have ran away and that he was disappointed with himself."

Paul Smith, defending, said Challoner's 16-week sentence for the theft was due to finish yesterday and that it was a spur of the moment decision that was unsuccessful.

Judge Barrie told him: "You have had enough experience with the criminal justice system. You must not run away.

"Running away was not very successful but the approach the the courts take is that it must be met with an immediate custodial sentence."