Matthew Douglas-Fryer will be sentenced in December

Matthew Douglas-Fryer, 24, was confronted by cricket bat-wielding Martin Meeke QC when he climbed through a window at the barrister's Exeter home.

Mr Douglas-Fryer was found guilty by an Exeter Crown Court jury on Tuesday.

He was warned by Recorder Jeremy Brock QC that it was "overwhelmingly likely" he would receive a custodial sentence.

If he had tried to go I would have used the bat, but I did not have to Martin Meeke QC

The judge adjourned sentence for six weeks for the preparation of probation and psychiatric reports, and extended Mr Douglas-Fryer's bail.

The defendant, a driver, from Cedar's Road, Exeter, had pleaded not guilty to burglary at the home of Mr Meeke in March.

Prosecutor Greg Richardson had told the court that the defendant broke a window in the basement playroom of the barrister's home.

Mr Meeke, who sits as a Recorder, told the court he and his wife Beverley heard the sound of breaking glass, went to investigate, and discovered the defendant climbing in through the window.

The barrister told his wife to call the police, and told Mr Douglas-Fryer to sit on a chair.

"I explained he was not going anywhere," said Mr Meeke.

'Very scared'

"My son's cricket bag was there, and I picked up a cricket bat as I impressed upon him he was not leaving the room.

"If he had tried to go I would have used the bat, but I did not have to," he said.

The defendant said in evidence he had been drinking, and did not remember going through the window.

He said he remembered a gentleman "with a red top and a big bat," and added: "I was very scared.

"I do not know how I got there. I did not intend to steal anything," he said.

He will be sentenced in December.