Burglar who tried to swim away from police jailed

Chad Lambert was arrested on a small island in Eastville Park after trying to escape police

A burglar who attempted to evade capture by police by swimming across a lake has been jailed.

Chad Lambert, 35, of Cobourg Road, Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates' Court after admitting to aggravated burglary.

The court heard how on 19 October he was noticed acting suspiciously in a shop on Averay Road, Bristol, and, when challenged, smashed a window to get behind the counter, grabbed a bottle of wine and took the contents of the till.

He then ran into nearby Eastville Park where he discarded clothing and a bag before running into the lake.

Police drone footage shows Lambert walking through dense foliage on the island

He was then seen to swim to the small island in the middle of the lake.

Police officers chased Lambert on foot, with the drone unit then being deployed to follow his movements through the trees and bushes on the island.

Officers were able to reach the island by using a boat provided by Avon and Fire Rescue Service, where they carried out the arrest.

He later pled guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, as well as being ordered to pay £154 in compensation.