A man has appeared in court facing charges of stealing more than £20,000 from his own parents.

Ben Houldsworth, 18, of Severn Road, Portishead, appeared at North Somerset Magistrates Court this morning.

He faced a charge of theft on November 29, 2008 and burglary and theft on January 31, 2009.

Sue Thomas, prosecuting, told the court both incidents took place in Clevedon Road, the home of Houldsworth's parents.

On November 29, she said £10,000 had been stolen from inside the house and on January 31, £12,000 had been taken from a safe.

Houldsworth did not enter a plea and the case was sent to Bristol Crown Court because of a breach of trust and the large sums involved.

Defence David Playford made no representations or a bail application.

Houldsworth was remanded in custody and will appear at the crown court on June 8, at 10am.