A PRISONER who dramatically escaped from a courtroom and went on the run for three days is back behind bars.

Jack McRae sparked a huge manhunt by armed police and helicopter crews when he desperately jumped the dock at the city's crown court in a moment of "impulsiveness".

Shocked staff looked on open-mouthed as he rushed past security guards and fled into the street amid cries from bystanders.

The fugitive hid out in a city house - surviving by ordering food by telephone before the manhunt closed in on him.

Now he is behind bars for a total of 13 months after being sentenced for escaping.

McRae, 23, of no fixed address, admitted the charge and a separate charge of possessing a mobile phone while in prison.

But it has emerged that the rape allegations which formed part of his initial court hearing have been dropped.

This time McRae appeared via video link from Winchester Prison for the hearing at Southampton Crown Court.

The court heard how prison officers searching McRae's cell uncovered a mobile phone and a makeshift charger days before he was brought before the court for a preliminary hearing on August 18.

Prosecutor Simon Foster told the court how McRae appeared in court four flanked by two prison officers in a dock without a glass barrier.

Mr Foster said: "With great suddenness he vaulted the dock. One of the prison officers tried to grab him, exacerbating an old injury, but he made his escape through the door past security staff who tried to stop him and ran in the direction of Portswood with some human cries."

His escape prompted a huge police operation featuring armed squads and a police helicopter and a widespread media appeal published by the Daily Echo and other national newspapers.

The court heard how McRae had hailed taxis via his mobile phone and eventually hid out in a Southampton house where he ordered food.

Police eventually arrested him on August 21 and he was remanded in custody, it was heard.

In mitigation barrister Rupert Hallows told the court his client had escaped in a moment of "impulsiveness" brought on by the anxiety surrounding allegations against him. Mr Hallows said: "His stress levels had increased considerably, he had been subjected to threats from other inmates and he was under stress at the time.

"The proceedings have been agonising for him and his mental health has suffered."

Judge Peter Crabtree sentenced him to eight months for escaping and a further five months for possession of the mobile phone.

He told McRae: "The incident resulted in a substantial police operation, no doubt in part because of the serious allegations that you faced. It was impulsive behaviour and you didn't know you were going to be produced in a secure dock. While you didn't surrender you were at liberty for three days."

He said having a mobile phone"undermined security" at prisons.