Former racing driver Mr John Watson was held captive during a break-in at his parents' house in the Malone Road area of Belfast this week.
A man appeared in court yesterday on five charges arising out of the incident, which happened on Tuesday night.
Mr Watson, who lives in England and works as a grand prix commentator, was in Belfast to visit his father, Marshall, who is in hospital.
He was watching television in a bedroom at the family home at Deramore Park when he heard a noise outside and saw several men trying to break in.
He ran downstairs to alert his sister, Heather, and 79-year-old mother, Victoria Joan, who were in the kitchen.
His sister was telephoning the police when, it is alleged, the phone was pulled from her hand and the connection ripped from the wall.
The court was told the men demanded money and stole Mrs Watson's handbag containing £205.
As police arrived the men fled, leaving behind a pillow case stuffed with stolen jewellery.
Mr Michael McGeown (39), from McAuley Street, in the Markets area of Belfast, was charged at Belfast Magistrates' Court with assaulting and imprisoning the three Watsons against their will, robbing Mrs Watson of £205 and entering her house as a trespasser.
Det Con Matt Russell said when Mr McGeown was charged he replied: "It was definitely not me."
Mr McGeown was remanded in custody until September 16th.