'Frightening incident' says head.

A HEADMASTER of a school in Exhall has spoken of his relief after an armed burglar was jailed for breaking into his son's house.

Yesterday the Evening Telegraph reported that Thomas Coombes, 19, of St Lukes Road, Bedworth, had broken into Exhall Grange School in Wheelwright Lane, and threatened David Bignell, 34, with a kitchen knife. David Bignell's home is in the school grounds.

Coombes pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and possessing a blade at Warwick Crown Court and was sentenced to three years detention.

Headmaster Richard Bignell said: "I'm amazed because we didn't even know the case was being heard until the Evening Telegraph contacted us.

"The whole incident was extremely frightening for my son, and totally bizarre. I have to say that it is very worrying indeed that the burglar broke into school property. My son will be very relieved that Coombes has been sentenced."

The burglar brandished a blade when he was cornered by David, but when he demanded the weapon, Coombes handed it over and apologised. Incredibly, he later asked for it back and said it was his mother's and he was worried she would be angry that he had stolen it.

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RELIEF: Richard Bignell