A JOBLESS man accused of trying to abduct a schoolgirl said he was "quite shocked" when the allegation was put to him, a court heard.

Alan Hemmings, 64, of Watchouse Parade, Pill is on trial at Cardiff Crown court after pleading not guilty to attempted abduction.

Prosecutor James Wilson has alleged that on June 10 Hemmings was in a park and held the alleged victim tightly by her wrist for two minutes after which she fled crying to her friends.

Hemmings told the jury that walking home past the park two girls approached and asked him about his dog which was nothing unusual.

He said one of them went to grab his shopping bag and then walked off.

He denied touching her, caressing or stroking her.

"I picked up my bag and walked home," he said.

He said three adults went to his home and one of them asked if he had been inferring with her daughter.

He said he was shocked and said: "If you have any problems go to the police."

He added: "I didn't have the faintest idea of what they were talking about."

Proceeding