Son of Birmingham City legend Trevor Francis accused of burglary at home of former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie

Dec 4 2011 by Jeanette Oldham, Sunday Mercury

THE son of Birmingham City legend Trevor Francis has been charged with burglary at a £1.7 million property owned by former Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie.

James Francis, 24, will appear in court next month, accused of a break-in at a cottage in the grounds of a luxury Midland mansion belonging to the Holte End favourite.

Mr Francis is the son of soccer legend Trevor, who became Britain’s first £1 million footballer when he was transferred from the Blues to Nottingham Forest in 1979.

But in an extraordinary case, his youngest son James is to face court accused of committing a break-in at a sprawling Warwickshire country house owned by Hendrie, who now plays for Kidderminster Harriers.

Mr Francis Jnr, from Solihull, was arrested by West Midlands Police.

He has since been charged with one count of burglary (other than from a dwelling) contrary to the Theft Act 1968, and first appeared at Leamington Magistrates Court on November 16.

He will next appear at the same court on January 11 for a committal hearing.