A Lewisham man charged as part of an investigation into a burglary at the home of Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish has made his first crown court appearance.

Tour de France rider Cavendish said his family were “extremely distressed” after the break-in at his home in Ongar, Essex, at about 2.35am on Saturday November 27.

Romario Henry, of Bell Green, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court via video-link from prison on Friday, accused of two counts of robbery.

The 30-year-old entered no pleas and spoke only to confirm his name before he was remanded in custody.

Judge Christopher Morgan heard the matter for around 10 minutes before setting it back for a further case management hearing on March 4.

Cavendish was recovering from significant injuries he suffered in a crash during a track event in Belgium at the time of the raid, which saw him and his wife threatened.

Essex Police said a Louis Vuitton suitcase and two high-value watches were stolen.

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