Burglar broke into Ilkley Grammar School stealing £7500 worth of laptops

Adam Robinson targeted the computer lab at Ilkley Grammar School in January this year, when he broke in by removing beading from the window and taking out the glass.

Bradford Crown Court heard today (Friday) how Robinson, 35, has a history of targeting schools which he saw as "soft targets".

The father of five from Bradford stole 15 laptops worth £500 each during the Sunday afternoon break-in, prosecutor Louise Pryke told the court.

He was caught on CCTV footage and identified by a police officer.

Miss Pryke said Robinson was a "prolific school burglar" who had been on an electronic-monitored tag on licence from prison when he carried out the burglary.

Robinson has a lengthy criminal record, with 30 convictions for 58 offences to his name.

Miss Pryke added: “It seems it was deliberate targeting of a school building where it was known there was a computer lab which would have computer equipment.

“The crown say it is greater harm because it’s significant economic loss to the school.”

Robinson, of Collbrook Avenue, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to burglary.

Jailing Robinson, Judge Jonathan Rose said the defendant saw schools as “a soft target” and despite having obligations for five children he did not care one jot when it came to committing offences which would damage the education and futures of children at schools.

“You have caused economic loss to the tune of £7,500,” said the judge.

“You have caused loss that cannot be calculated to the education of the many children of the grammar school who make use of those computers.

“To my mind it’s time you suffered some significant punishment for this offence and for the public to be protected from you.”