A MAN accused of stealing thousands of pounds worth of sentimental jewellery from a residential house has appeared at court.

John Robinson, of Luke Avenue, Cassop, appeared before magistrates in Peterlee charged with the Trimdon Station burglary.

The 54-year-old did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody.

The charge relates to a burglary which took place on the evening of Friday, March 2, in the Trimdon Station home in which a number of high value and sentimental items of jewellery were stolen.

Among them was a safety pin used on terry towelling nappies which had been encrusted with pearls and turned into a brooch after the victim’s son died shortly before his 18th birthday.

Detective Constable Rachael Austin Teasdale, from Peterlee CID, said: “Since the incident, the majority of the jewellery has been recovered, which the victim is extremely happy about.”

The defendant is next due to appear at Durham Crown Court on Friday, April 20.