A CARAVAN raider went on the run after members of the public grabbed two of his accomplices, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Robert Morris was handcuffed by PC Timothy Macrae but when the officer was distracted by the commotion in Kidderminster, he hid in bushes before running away.

Morris, a 31-year-old steel cutter, of Ebenezer Street, West Bromwich, was arrested five months later, bailed and then went into hiding for another 18 months. He was jailed for 30 months after pleading guilty to two charges of burglary and one of escaping from custody.

The break-ins took place at a chalet and caravan on the Little Lakes park near Bewdley on July 27, 2002, said Andrew Evans, prosecuting. More than £1,000 worth of property was taken.

Other residents notified police and Morris was a passenger in a stolen Astra when it was spotted on Kidderminster ring road.

PC Macrae, who was on his own, gave chase in his marked car and stopped the Astra. The burglar was handcuffed and told to stay in a garden. He absconded but forensic evidence was found to link him to the burglaries.

Morris's 60 previous convictions was a history typical of a drug addict, said Craig Jeakings, defending. He had used heroin for 10 years but was now in a stable relationship and had three young children. His partner was willing to have him back.

Judge Michael Mott said Morris had been in trouble while on the run and he could give him no credit for absconding.