One of two men accused of conspiring to rob a woman, claimed he was innocent and was searching for a business place when he was held by police for the crime.

Neville Barclay, a 23-year-old electrician from Laws Street, Kingston, is charged with robbery with aggravation. He pleaded not guilty when the matter was mentioned in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Allegations read in court are that about 9:30 a.m. on the day the incident occurred, the complainant was walking along Derrymore Road with the accused and another man walking behind her. The other man passed the complainant and started walking ahead of her. The accused then allegedly pushed her against a metal post and took her cellphone and $200 from her.

Barclay and the man then allegedly ran off, the court heard. The complainant made a report to a policeman she saw nearby and he started a search of the area with the assistance of other police personnel. During the search, Barclay and the other man were pointed out by the complainant. The other man ran, but Barclay was held. Neither the phone nor the money was found in his possession.

Hugh Thompson, Barclay's lawyer, argued that his client was not found with the items and was going about his own business when he was held by the police. He said Barclay was searching for the Burger King head office where he was trying to get work.

However, Senior RM Glen Brown pointed out that he was far from the actual office, which he said was close to Winchester Centre.

Despite pleas for Barclay to get bail, his fingerprints were ordered taken and his trial was set for August 26. He was remanded into custody.