Callum Tumilty, 25, was inadvertently given away by his own mother after she rang his mobile phone, trying to track him down.
Little did she know, the same phone had been left behind by Tumilty when he broke into Cambois First School before making off with a number of stolen laptops.
When it was answered, the voice on the other end asked if ‘Callum’ was there.
Tumilty, of South View, Cambois, subsequently pleaded guilty to wit, possession of cannabis and four counts of theft when he appeared at Bedlington Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 21, and was sentenced to a total of 26 weeks in prison for his crimes.
Inspector Phil Patterson, of Northumbria Police, welcomed the sentence and praised the quick actions of the officers involved in the case: “This was an appalling crime as Tumilty showed a total disregard for his own community and the law,” he said
“He shamelessly broke into the school and swiped a number of laptops that are used and relied on by students to learn new skills and shape their futures. He should be ashamed by his actions.
“This case was a great display of teamwork by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and our investigation team who were able to build a compelling case which ultimately resulted in the offender being jailed.
“At least his mum knows where she can reach him this time.”
Tumilty was also ordered to pay £780 in compensation costs.