Heath Ledger's uncle in court

AN uncle of the late actor Heath Ledger appeared in court today charged over the theft of two earthmovers.

Haydn Ledger, 52, of Woodbridge, in Perth's northeast, was charged after police seized three bobcats worth $137,000 from Perth industrial sites in June and July.

Mr Ledger appeared briefly in Midland Magistrates Court today on two receiving charges and the hearing was adjourned to next month for legal argument.

His lawyer, George Giudice, told magistrate Alan Roberts that the matter should be dealt with in the magistrates court, where the charges would attract a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment, or a $24,000 fine.

But police prosecutor Bob Rundle argued that the charges should be heard in the district court, where they carry a maximum penalty of 14 years' jail.

Mr Roberts extended Mr Ledger's bail and adjourned the hearing until August 26.