A teenage burglar who broke into an Oxford school five times was today jailed for more than two years.
Robert Richens stole a flat screen TV, a games console and games from St Edward’s School in Woodstock Road on November 21 last year.
The 18-year-old also broke into a member of staff’s living quarters on the same day and stole a camera and cash. Oxford Crown Court heard the teenager admitted two charges of burglary and asked for another three — all at St Edward’s School — to be taken into consideration when sentencing.
Carolyn Oakley, prosecuting, said: “Mr Richens had been hanging around St Edward’s School for some days prior to these offences. He had clearly been targeting St Edward’s School.”
She added Richens had a string of previous convictions, including three other burglaries.
Joanne Sear, defending, said: “Mr Richens had difficult family circumstances and a difficult upbringing. He suffers from depression and he has in the past self-harmed and he has attempted suicide.”
Judge Patrick Eccles jailed Richens for two years and 21 weeks.
He said: “You targeted the school, you carried out a number of burglaries there and a significant quantity of property was stolen. You have already had 13 previous court appearances and this is your fourth offence of burglary.”
Speaking after the case, St Edwards’ School headteacher Andrew Trotman said: “We were very impressed with how quickly the police responded.”
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