A SERIAL burglar caught in a classroom by a pupil had targeted several Oxfordshire schools and colleges.

Nicholas James burgled Oxford’s Cherwell School on January 5 last year and then broke into North Kidlington Primary School and nearby Gosford Hill School five days later. In all, he took 15 laptop computers, a VW Fox car and bags belonging to two teachers.

The 32-year-old was arrested after he was disturbed by an 11-year-old pupil at North Kidlington School, who later picked him out in an identity parade. Yesterday Oxford Crown Court heard James had 36 previous convictions, including burgling EF Language School, the Lake School of English, Headington School, St Edward’s School and University College.

Peter du Feu, defending, said his client, who admitted three charges of burglary and one of stealing a car, had been sentenced to 11-and-a-half years in jail in the past 15 years but was now ready to address his crack-cocaine addiction.

Urging Judge Anthony King to make James the subject of a rehabilitation course, Mr du Feu added: “This opportunity may never come again for this man. If it will turn him away from drug use and crime, it’s a moment to be seized.”

Judge King gave James, of Walthamstow, East London, three years’ supervision, with a six-month residential rehabilitation requirement and an additional non-residential six-month course.