A 'NINJA' burglar cornered after he tried to escape police during a dramatic rooftop chase is now in custody with even less chance of getting away.

Wanted Jamie Rice, 34, and Adell Thomas, 33, were both caught after a police chase over rooftops on Thursday after both mounted a failed escape attempt from the flat where they were holed up.

Rice compared himself to a 'ninja' when asked by officers about his escape attempt and is now expected to be sentenced later this month for a burglary at a historic building in Worcester. 

Worcester News: Jamie Rice after being handcuffed by police following the chase Jamie Rice after being handcuffed by police following the chase (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Both had already admitted their role in a burglary at the Victoria Institute in Sansome Walk, Worcester but failed to attend their sentencing hearing at Worcester Crown Court and the case was adjourned for sentencing until June 23 for sentencing.

Rice was remanded in custody until that date and Thomas was bailed with conditions, including a curfew.  But the couple was cornered after they tried - but failed - to escape over rooftops in Birmingham where they had been holed up after nearly two months on the run.

It is understood they climbed out of a Velux window in the roof at around 8.40am as officers hammered on the door of a flat above a shop. Thomas suffered a toe injury during the escape attempt.

The pair attempted the escape after failing to attend Worcester Crown Court on April 13. 

READ MORE: Victoria Institute 'ninja' burglars caught in rooftop chase

As officers were already out on another, unrelated job, the West Mercia Police detectives from Proactive CID decided to call in and try to apprehend the elusive couple. 

Eagle-eyed detectives spotted them fleeing over rooftops after they climbed out of a flat above a convenience store on the corner of Partridge Road and Broadstone Road in Birmingham.

When Rice was cornered in a garden nearby he was handcuffed and taken away to a waiting police van. Thomas was also detained nearby and placed in the back of an unmarked car. 

Previously the pair admitted stealing a black mountain bike, a blue children's push bike, a clock, Christmas decorations, a black suitcase, a toolbox tray and various tools, a doormat, an inflatable kayak and a rucksack from The Victoria Institute, Sansome Walk.  The offence took place on September 8 last year.  Both pleaded guilty to burglary when they appeared at Worcester Crown Court in February, and on Thursday, (April 13) the couple were due to return to the court for sentencing.