Coronation Street star Stephanie Beacham came face to face with hammer-wielding burglar in horror raid

CORONATION Street star Stephanie Beacham came face-to-face with a hammer-wielding burglar, a court heard.

The 75-year-old actress was left fearing her life when David Wilson smashed his way into her £750,000 home last year.

The thug had only been released from prison days earlier when he launched the September 25 raid.

Stephanie is said to have disturbed the burglar as he ransacked her Bayswater home in West London at around 2pm.

He threatened the Corrie actress with a hammer, demanding cash and jewellery before ordering her into another room.

During the 20 minute ordeal, thug Wilson robbed jewellery, her purse, mobile phone, cheque book and keys before scarpering.

When police arrived they said the actress was profoundly shaken but had not been harmed.

On Wednesday, Wilson, a career criminal and drug addict, admitted aggravated burglary at Southwark Crown Court.

Claire Mawer, defending, added: "The aggravated burglary in relation to Beacham was unplanned."

Wilson also admitted to to stealing a snooker championship medal, step ladder and mattress from a Sheffield pensioner in May last year.

He will be sentenced next month.