Cracknell's medals theft ordeal

The medals are from the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games

Olympic rower James Cracknell has told of the moment he arrived home to find rooms had been ransacked and his two gold medals had gone.

Mark Murphy, 30, of Hammersmith, west London, is accused of burgling the sportsman's Chiswick home in March - a charge he denies.

Isleworth Crown Court heard thousands of pounds worth of electrical equipment and jewellery had also been stolen.

Mr Cracknell said the medals were "extremely valuable to me personally".

Among the other items stolen was his £8,000 diamond-studded platinum wedding ring, three laptops, an iPod, a camera and a collection of watches including a limited edition one by Adidas worth £500.

In a statement read out in the court, he said he returned home after a night away to find open drawers and ransacked rooms.

He added that he deliberately decided not to put the alarm on fearing he might not get back before his cleaner arrived.

'Doors wide open'

Mr Cracknell described the medals he won rowing in the coxless fours in the Sydney and Athens Olympics.

"One had a blue ribbon from the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The one from Athens 2004 had a multi-coloured predominantly orange ribbon.

"I don't know what value they have but they are extremely valuable to me personally."

Lyall Thompson, prosecuting, told the court the burglar had apparently broken in through the rear patio doors, which had been left wide open as he fled.

He said a footmark from a size six Nike trainer was found by scene of crimes officers, and it matched similar footwear found in Mr Murphy's bedroom.

On his arrest, Mr Murphy was in bed wearing Mr Cracknell's Adidas watch. At first he claimed he had bought it from a friend for £150 a year ago, but he later admitted to one count of handling.

Mr Lyall told the court of Mr Murphy's previous convictions for attempted burglary and burglary.

The case continues.