Jewel robbery accused claims he may have been feeding ducks at the time

Daniel Inamder told jurors he had nothing to do with the attack on Jane Williams as she waited outside Moorlands School, in Meanwood, Leeds.

Leeds Crown Court has heard how Mrs Williams may have been followed before being targeted outside the school on October 7 2011.

Two men approached her as she sat in her Land Rover and held a hammer against her face.

Mrs Williams has described how one of the men climbed into the car before threatening her with the weapon, and tried to grab the rings from her hand.

Another parent who had been talking to Mrs Williams was struck with a hammer.

Mrs Williams handed over her wedding and engagement rings, a ring from her right hand and her watch.

The pair fled and got into a Volvo being driven by a third man.

The car crashed moments later, however, and the robbers forced an off-duty police officer to stop his car before driving off in it.

The prosecution claim a drinks bottle found in the Volvo contained Inamder’s DNA and mobile phone evidence also links him to the offences.

Another man, Anthony Clarke, admitted the offences after his saliva was discovered on the airbag which had deployed in the Volvo.

Inamder, of Albion Street, Dewsbury, denies two offences of robbery. In evidence yesterday, Inamder said he was looking after his baby son around that time of the incident.

He told the court he may have taken youngster to feed the ducks in Roundhay park or to visit relatives in the area.

His barrister, Freddy Apfel, asked Inamder: “Did you at any time that day go to any particular house to watch what was going on there. Inamder replied: “No sir.”

The barrister then asked: “At any time during that day were you near, or did you, as far as you know, deliberately go to where there is a school. Inamder replied: “No sir.”

Mr Apfel continued: “Were you involved or did you take any part in taking any jewellery from any lady on that afternoon?”

Inamder replied: “No I did not. Not in any way, shape or form.”

During cross examination by prosecuting barrister Alisdair Cambell, Inamder was asked why he failed to give an account of where he had been at the time of the robbery to police when he was first arrested.

Mr Campbell said: “Did you not know what to say because what you are saying now is completely made up?”

Inamder replied: “No sir.”

The trial continues.