Image source, Sarah Jeynes/BBC Image caption,

Actress Stephanie Beacham said she has had difficulty learning her lines since the raid

By Jess Warren & PA Media

BBC News

TV star Stephanie Beacham no longer feels safe in her home after being threatened with a metal bar in a "terrifying" armed raid, a court heard.

The actress was ordered to hand over money and jewellery during a break-in at her cottage in Bayswater, west London, in October last year.

At Southwark Crown Court, "habitual career burglar" David Wilson, 57, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary.

He was jailed for 10 years and five months.

Prosecutor John Traversi told the court: "During the course of this incident, which was terrifying for Ms Beacham...she had real fears for her life."

Actress Beacham 'reveals rape trauma'

The court was told Wilson, originally from Glasgow, was armed with a "jemmy" - a two metre (7ft) bar with a claw at the end - which he raised in a striking motion before telling Ms Beacham: "Don't look at me."

Image source, Metropolitan Police Image caption,