A COUNTY man has appeared in court on petition accused of a series of break-ins.

Richard Van Beck was in the dock during a private hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last Thursday where he faced three charges of theft by housebreaking.

The 40-year-old also faced one allegation of theft, one of attempted theft and one charge of housebreaking with intent to steal. He is also accused of one offence of breaching bail conditions.

Van Beck, whose address was only given as East Lothian, made no plea and the case was committed for further examination and he was remanded in custody.

He is due to appear back at the Capital court within eight days.

His appearance follows alleged break-ins at the Jade Garden and Preston Bay Takeaway in Prestonpans, as well as two alleged thefts from Day-Today on Musselburgh’s North High Street.