A man photographed by the victim of a burglary was yesterday (Thursday) convicted of taking part in a house raid.

Alex Jackson and two 17-year-olds targeted a teacher's home in the grounds of Malvern College.

One of the teenagers got into Thomas Sharp's living room at night but was caught in the act and escaped through a window.

Mr Sharp followed the gang on foot then scoured the area in his car, photographing 23-year-old Jackson with a digital camera, Worcester Crown Court heard.

The trio were arrested near the scene on December 14 after a police helicopter was used in the search.

Mr Sharp gave police the picture of Jackson, whom he believed had stood in the college driveway as the raid took place.

Prosecutor Glyn Samuels said Jackson had "assisted" in the break-in as either a lookout or an accomplice to carry away stolen goods.

Three Christmas presents intended for Mr Sharp's children were stolen and his bike was taken from a garage but abandoned.

A jury unanimously convicted Jackson, of Coniston Close, Malvern, of burglary after retiring for only 25 minutes.

He was granted bail for a pre-sentence report.

The teenagers were dealt with by the youth court and received community sentences.

Mr Samuel said they had a record of 33 offences between them and Jackson had previous convictions for shoplifting and driving crimes.

Jackson claimed he had been drinking and had no knowledge of being outside the raided house.

He recalled the flash of Mr Sharp's camera and got angry at having his picture taken near the Chase High School's playing fields.

The victim said Jackson had not appeared drunk. He saw the defendant join his friends after he was caught on camera.