A DROITWICH Spa man, tracked down by a helicopter after swimming across the River Avon to escape police, has been jailed.

Worcester magistrates heard how Stephen Davis swam across the freezing river to give officers the slip after being stopped for driving while disqualified.

The 27-year-old had given a false name and address to a police motorcyclist after he was stopped in Evesham High Street in October.

But when the officer became suspicious and called for back-up, Davis ran off sparking a police hunt.

The Hunters Green resident was discovered in a bush having earlier plunged into the river.

Prosecuting lawyer Edward Soulsby said the defendant and an accomplice had been seen by staff in a Tesco store in October.

He added: "The accomplice left the store with a video while Davis distracted staff.

"In November, Davis and the accomplice went into Homebase, in Worcester, and stole a power tool."

Davis admitted driving without insurance and while disqualified on Tuesday January 23 this year, and two counts of theft.

Paul Hitchcock, defending, told the magistrates Davis was trying to get work.

He added: "He was helped by his parents who gave him a job in their cafe. He was called in on his day off and did not want to let them down."

On Tuesday March 6, Davis was sentenced to one year in prison, disqualified from driving for 30 months and penalised 14 points on his licence.