A 21-year-old from Collier Row is to stand trial for an attempted robbery of West Ham United striker Andy Carroll in Chigwell earlier this month.

Jack O’Brien, of Navarre Gardens, appeared in Basildon Magistrates’ Court today for that, and 15 other offences – including allegedly handling a stolen motorbike in Dagenham.

He is accused of trying to rob the West Ham star’s £22,000 watch while the striker was driving down Romford Road, in Chigwell, on November 2.

The 27-year-old footballer managed to motor away to the club’s training ground, in Rush Green.

Hammers manager Slaven Bilic described his striker as “very brave”.

O’Brien will stand trial for this and 15 other offences at Basildon Crown Court on December 12.

He is also charged with one count of handling stolen goods, one count of aggravated burglary and 13 counts of burglary, across London, Essex and Hertfordshire.