Coronation Street star Stephanie Beacham ‘face to face with burglar during hammer break-in at her London home’

Dynasty star Stephanie Beacham was confronted by a burglar during a hammer break-in at her west London home, a court has heard.

The actress was at her £750,000 Bayswater property on September 25 last year when she was allegedly confronted by the male intruder.

Ms Beacham’s jewellery, keys, cheque book, purse and mobile phone were all stolen during the break-in, Southwark crown court heard.

David Wilson, 56, has been charged with aggravated burglary and robbery at the 75-year-old actress’s home, and is due to face trial later this year.

Ms Beacham achieved global stardom with her role as Sable Colby in Dynasty, featuring in 23 episodes of the classic Eighties US drama opposite the likes of Joan Collins and John Forsythe. She also appeared in 49 episodes of Dynasty spin-off show The Colbys.

The Golden Globe-nominated actress also starred in BBC drama Tenko, has made guest appearances in shows including Bad Girls and Casualty, and has recently returned as Ken Barlow’s love interest in Coronation Street, following a successful stint on the ITV soap in 2009.

The actress, who has dated Marlon Brando, Imran Khan and Eric Clapton, has also dipped into the reality TV arena, with stints on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2010.

At a court hearing on December 21, Wilson pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary and robbery as the case was set for a three-day trial starting on February 8. The actress is expected to be called as a witness in the case.

According to the charge, Wilson is accused of entering Ms Beacham’s home “as a trespasser” to steal her possessions, and “at the time of the commission of the burglary you had with you a weapon of offence, namely a hammer”.

Prosecutor Gregor McKinley urged the court to list the case for trial as soon as possible, saying it involves “allegations against someone who is now an elderly victim”. He added: “The Crown is pleased the case could come on in February, especially given the age and vulnerability of the victim.”

Judge Nicholas Rimmer remanded Wilson in custody until his trial, with a further pre-trial hearing set for February 1.

Wilson, of no fixed address, denies aggravated burglary and robbery.

In a separate case, he is accused of burgling the home of a pensioner in Sheffield, allegedly stealing a snooker championship medal, a step ladder, and a mattress.

He also pleaded not guilty to that charge, and is due to stand trial on a date to be set.