Gerrard burglary accused remanded (From Chorley Citizen)

Gerrard burglary accused remanded

12:55pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in National News © Press Association 2011

A man accused of taking part in a robbery the home of footballer Steven Gerrard has appeared in court.

Martin Wilson, 22, entered no plea during a 20-minute hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.

Liverpool and England star Gerrard, 29, is one of several Merseyside footballers to have been targeted by burglars as they took part in high profile games, although police say the cases are not linked.

The robbery took place in December 2007 as the Reds captain led his team to victory in a Champions League game against Marseilles.

His wife Alex Curran, 27, was confronted by four masked raiders at their mansion in Formby, Merseyside.

Ms Curran, a model and fashion columnist, was not injured in the incident. The couple's two children, Lilly-Ella and Lexie, now aged six and three, were asleep upstairs.

The thieves made off with a woman's Rolex watch and two sets of car keys.

Wilson, of Hollowcroft, Stockbridge Village, is charged with burglary and robbery. He was remanded in custody until Friday April 16, when legal argument will take place.

His three-day trial is due to begin on Thursday June 14.