Gerrard mansion burglary accused faces court

A man accused of a burglary at the home of footballer Steven Gerrard will appear in court today.

The Liverpool and England star's wife Alex Curran was confronted by four masked raiders at the couple's mansion in Formby, Merseyside.

Gerrard, 29, is one of several Merseyside footballers targeted by burglars while 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 Champion's League game against Marseilles.

Ms Curran, 27, 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.

Martin Wilson, 22, of Hollowcroft, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, is charged with burglary and robbery.

He will appear by video link at Liverpool Crown Court at 11am when he is expected to enter his plea.