A MAN found hiding under a desk at a Worcester school has been sent to prison for 26 weeks.

James Marson admitted entering King’s St Alban’s with intent to steal when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Marson had previously failed to turn up for the trial which found him guilty of stealing 27 mobile phones from Worcester Phone Zone, in the Shambles, between Sunday, March 20, and Wednesday, March 23.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said the 33-year-old was found curled under a desk by the cleaning lady at the school. She initially went to ask him if he was okay, fearing he was hurt.

When she realised he was not, she became scared and went downstairs to another classroom – where she noted all the windows were open and a projector was missing.

When she returned upstairs, Marson had gone but she later identified him in an identity parade. It was later discovered nothing had actually been taken in the attempted burglary.

Marson, of Yarrow Close, St Peter’s, was implicated in the earlier phone shop robbery after the owner made his own investigations and discovered eight of the phones on sale on Ebay which, eventually, led him to Marson – who had sold the seller the phones.

Mark Turnball, defending, said his client had had a hard time since being released from prison last year.

“He was released from prison seven days before Christmas with only £40 in his pocket and police had most of his clothing for other investigations,” said Mr Turnball.

“Marson effectively fell upon his usual means by which he has supported himself.”

He said his client had returned to using heroin but argued, given the chance, he could turn his life around with the help of a community order as Marson had stayed out of trouble for four years after being given one in 2005.

Deputy district judge David Goodman also took into consideration a string of recent burglaries – five including one from Kempsey Community Hall – when sentencing Marson. “It has to be a custodial sentence today,” said Mr Goodman. “You have a long history of burglaries.

“I particularly do not like burglaries of schools and – in this particular case – an employee was caused fear by your presence.”

Marson was sentenced to 12 weeks for the shop burglary, 12 weeks for the school break-in and two weeks for failing to attend the trial, totalling 26 weeks.

Four days were deducted for time spent fitted with a tag.