A MAN has appeared in court charged with aggravated burglary after a pensioner was hit over the head with a hammer and a plant pot.

Jason Rochford, 43, of Raleigh Road, Norton, near Stockton was formally charged with aggravated burglary, burglary and attempted burglary at Teesside Magistrates Court today.

He made no plea. There was no application for bail and Rochford must remain in custody until he appears at Teesside Crown Court on October 17.

Gary Buckley, prosecuting, told the court that three properties in Norton were targetted on Thursday afternoon.

Rochford is accused of stealing jewellery from one house and attempting to enter another.

It is alleged he was confronted by a 69-year-old pensioner when attempting a burglary in a house garden on Imperial Crescent.

The pensioner is said to have been repeatedly hit on the head with a hammer, then with a plant pot.

Neighbours came to the pensioner's assistance when he shouted for help.

The pensioner was treated at North Tees University Hospital in Stockton before being released.

A 39-year-old man remains on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Kester Haith from Stockton Volume Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.