A TEENAGER who barged into the home of a schoolboy and burgled the house at knifepoint has been sent to a young offenders institution.

The 15-year-old from Thamesmead, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary at Woolwich Crown Court in July.

The court heard how the teenager, with a scarf over his face had pushed his way into a Thamesmead house with two accomplices.

He threatened to stab and kill a 14-year-old who was alone in the house, and stole two laptops, a mobile phone and clothes belonging to the 14-year-old.

He beat his victim round the head when the boy revealed he had recognised him.

Before the trial, the boy saw the 15-year-old posing on Facebook in the clothes he had stolen and making gestures.

All three burglars were arrested, but the two accomplices were released without charge because of a lack of evidence.

The teenager was sentenced at Woolwich on August 5 to serve an 18-month detention and training order.