A TEENAGER stood filming a blaze at a Bicester primary school on his mobile phone after keeping watch while his friend allegedly started the fire.

Ian Leach, 17, escaped being put behind bars after admitted his role in the blaze, which caused £190,000 damage to Longfields Primary School in February.

Banbury Youth Court heard Leach acted as a "look-out" while his 15-year-old friend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, started the blaze.

Leach admitted arson at a previous hearing but his alleged accomplice has denied the charge and is still awaiting trial.

Carolyn Oakley, prosecuting, said the pair had been bored so they walked towards Longfields School, where they climbed into the grounds. They chatted about setting fire to things.

The pair then went over to another unlocked hut next to the school filled with tablecloths and curtains.

Ms Oakley said: "The 15-year-old removed his lighter from his pocket and Ian acted as look out while his friend set fire to these items.

"They both ran away. Later, they decided to go back to the school. They saw what had happened. The fire had taken hold and spread to the school roof.

"The two watched the fire, both video recording it on their mobile phones."

Ms Oakley added police took the pair's details at the scene and arrested Leach later that night.

Leach told police he thought his friend was joking about starting a fire and had been very remorseful.

Satyanam Singh, defending, said: "He's not blind about the seriousness of what he has done and its impact on the community and particularly the effect on the young children."

Sentencing Leach to a 12-month referral order, district judge Brian Loosley ruled the youth could be named because of the seriousness of the offence.

He said: "This is really a case that calls for an immediate custodial sentence. Whilst you were not the principal offender you knew what was going on."

Leach was ordered to pay £500 compensation to Oxfordshire County Council.