Cracknell raid accused 'with mum'

The medals are from the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games

A man has told a court he was caring for his sick mother on the day he was alleged to have stolen two Olympic gold medals from rower James Cracknell.

Mark Murphy, 30, of Hammersmith, west London, denies burgling the sportsman's Chiswick home in March.

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

Mr Murphy, previously convicted for burglary, said his role of carer meant he never went out at night or weekends.

The carpet fitter told the court evidence allegedly linking him with the burglary was coincidental.

The prosecution earlier alleged a footprint found outside Mr Cracknell's flat matched Mr Murphy's Nike trainer.

They also said a watch he was wearing at the time of the arrest was a £500 limited edition piece presented to the rower after one of his Olympic successes.

Mr Murphy said he bought the watch outside a pub and admitted one count of handling the watch.

The case continues.