Man swam through lake to escape police after stealing bottle of wine in Bristol


A burglar swam through a lake in an attempt to evade police after stealing a bottle wine from a shop in Bristol. Chad Lambert, 35, then tried to hide in a tree on a small island before being arrested.

Bristol Magistrates' Court heard how Lambert, of Cobourg Road, entered a shop on Averay Road at around 1pm on Saturday, October 19. He was spotted acting suspiciously before being challenged by staff.

The 35-year-old then smashed a window to get behind the counter, picked up a bottle of wine and took the contents of the till. He then ran into Eastville Park, off Fishponds Road, where he discarded clothing and a bag before running into the lake and swimming to the small island in the middle of the lake.

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Avon and Somerset Police officers chased him to the lake before using a drone to follow his movements on the island. The fire service provided a boat before police could reach the island and arrest Lambert.

He was later charged before pleading guilty to aggravated burglary. Lambert has now been jailed to 26 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £154 in compensation.

Chad Lambert has been jailed
Chad Lambert has been jailed -Credit:Avon and Somerset Police