MAGISTRATES warned a former pupil who wrecked a school toilet by letting off a firework that he was facing a prison term.

Kevin Moffitt, 18, of Poplar Close, Kidlington, caused more than £100 damage when he let off the Phantom Strike firework in a toilet cubicle at Gosford Hill School, Kidlington.

Moffitt admitted criminal damage and intimidating a witness in the case when he appeared before Bicester magistrates yesterday .

The Oxford Road school has tightened up security since the incident last October, closing one entrance to the school grounds.

The court heard that Moffitt, who had been a pupil at the school, returned and let off the firework on October 17 while showing off to a group of friends.

Shelley Cranshaw, prosecuting, said Moffitt already had a community service order for a previous offence of affray and had a 12-month probation order for assault.

She said that last Friday Moffitt approached someone who had heard him boasting that he was going to let off a firework at the school and threatened him if he gave evidence.

Peter Du Feu, defending, told the court: "This is certainly incredibly juvenile behaviour." He said his client had compounded one "stupid, ugly act" with the serious offence of intimidating a witness.

He said Moffitt had been with a group of friends and had been putting on an act in front of them. He said his client now understood the seriousness of his actions.

The court heard the Phantom Strike firework destroyed the toilet bowl, causing £103 damage.

Peter Stokely, chairman of the bench, told Moffitt sentencing would be adjourned until April 6 for reports.

He said: "We as a bench wonder whether you understand the seriousness of placing fireworks in a school with hundreds of children. I am going to tell you we are thinking of custody - have no doubt about that. Your previous record doesn't speak too highly for you - you are already on probation and serving a community sentence order."

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