IPSWICH: A prolific shoplifter is today back behind bars after a string of thefts and a dramatic attempt to do a runner from police, hurling himself out of the back of an ambulance.

Jason Fayers was arrested last Thursday at around 5.45am and taken to Ipswich Police Station after he failed to appear at court in relation to six separate theft offences.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to all six offences, which span the last year, at an earlier court date.

But when he failed to appear at court a warrant was issued for his arrest.

When officers arrested him on Thursday, Fayers swallowed a tablet at the police station and refused to allow officers to retrieve the pill from his mouth.

Concerned for his welfare, officers called an ambulance.

But as the ambulance was travelling along Woodbridge Road in the heavy snow and wintry conditions, with an officer and Fayers handcuffed in the back, the repeat offender made his break for freedom.

He jumped out of the back of the slow-moving ambulance and made a run for it.

But he was quickly pursued by the officer, who caught up with him around 100 yards down the road, and took him back into custody and to Ipswich Hospital.

On Friday the 28-year-old of London Road, Ipswich, appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in the town in connection with the shoplifting incidents as well as failing to attend court and failing to surrender to police.

The court heard how between December 14 last year and September 6 Fayers carried out a string of thefts from the One Stop Shop in Ipswich Road, Claydon and the Co-op in Bramford Lane as well as Boots in the town centre.

He stole food and toiletries – three legs of lamb as well as aftershave and perfume valued at more than �500.

The court heard Fayers has 32 previous convictions for 97 offences.

Mark Holt, for Fayers, said his client is battling a drug addiction, which is why he has so many previous convictions for theft.

Sentencing Fayers, Dawn Girling, chair of the magistrates said: “We have no confidence in your motivation to change.”

She sentenced Fayers to 100 days in prison for each of the six theft offences, to be served concurrently and a further 20 days for obstructing the police officer and 20 days for failing to attend court to be served concurrently.

In total, he will face 120 days inside.

n What can be done to stop repeat offenders? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or you can send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk