A WORCESTER man who was on the run from police for three weeks was eventually arrested – only to escape again less than 36 hours later.

Richard Jauncey assaulted a police officer and escaped custody using a stolen car after a trip to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

He had initially failed to turn up at Worcester Magistrates Court for theft offences and a warrant was issued for his arrest on Tuesday, April 27.

Police then issued a picture of the 31-year-old last week in an attempt to trace him and he was eventually arrested in Badsey, near Evesham, at 11.10pm on Monday.

Jauncey, formerly of Hopton Street, St John’s, was taken by two police officers to Worcestershire Royal Hospital to receive medication on Wednesday morning but he assaulted one officer before fleeing the hospital in a stolen blue Audi A6 at 10.46am.

The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and was treated in the hospital’s accident and emergency department.

The blue Audi A6 was found abandoned in Liverpool Road, Ronkswood, Worcester, at 1.40pm.

A spokesman confirmed the police helicopter was used to help officers find Jauncey, but he remains missing and the search is continuing.

Officers want to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of Jauncey who has connections with Worcester and Malvern.

The police spokesman said: “Anyone who believes they have seen him should not approach him, but call police as quickly as possible on 0300 3333000, quoting 38S/190510. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Jauncey, who is under investigation for a number of offences, is described as white, 6ft tall and weighing around 14st, with short, dark but greying hair. He was wearing a navy blue hooded top with an animal logo on the back, a black vest, baggy jeans and black boots.

A spokesman for Worcestershire Royal Hospital confirmed that an incident had taken place and said staff were assisting police with their enquiries.