A prisoner caught on CCTV escaping from Homerton Hospital in his socks as a policeman and medic chased him has been jailed.

Kevin Brooker, 32, of no fixed address went on the run after being arrested on Tuesday and – inspired by fugitive films – shaved his hair hoping to evade cops.

But it didn’t go to plan. He was captured less than 24 hours later at Harwich Town station in Essex after catching a train from London.

Brooker had initially been arrested for failing to appear at court on charges of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

But when he was taken to a police station he told officers he had consumed a large quantity of Class A drugs, and was rushed to Homerton Hospital by ambulance.

After being caught on Wednesday, he told detectives he did in fact want to be sent back to prison. He was jailed for 10 weeks today at Thames Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to escaping from lawful custody.

Det Insp Paul Ridley, from Hackney CID, said: “I do not believe Brooker’s claims that he had a desire to be caught and returned to prison.

“Since his escape, captured on CCTV from the hospital, he has altered his appearance significantly, seemingly drawing inspiration from hunted fugitive movies.

“He cut off all his long hair and never made any attempt to alert authorities as to his whereabouts. He also scrambled on to a train leaving London in a further bid to evade capture. Robust action will always be taken against people escaping police.”

Anyone with information about criminals at large can call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.