The attacker of an 83-year-old tourist had very distinct bags under his eyes that made him different from other suspects in a Police line-up, the daughter of the victim told a Supreme Court trial yesterday.

Accused handbag snatcher Kenneth Eugene Richardson faced testimony from Patricia Rick, daughter of Alice Fiorani, that his facial characteristics were unique.

And the five men seven women jury also heard testimony of how Richardson was identified from a Police line up by Ms Rick, as well as being identified in the courtroom from a photo album line up of suspects.

It is alleged that Mrs. Fiorani had her handbag snatched at knife point on the night of May 18, 2000, in the Rosedon Hotel driveway.

Richardson, 36, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to the robbery that netted $1,200 in goods, including $750 in cash.

Ms Rick took the stand and at emotional points, held back tears while testifying about the struggle, explaining how she came to her mother's rescue after she heard her cry for help and saw her thrown to the ground during the attack.

"It was like a tug of war," she said. "He was pulling so hard that he pulled her down to the ground. At that point I was still standing. I was looking at his face and I remember thinking `my mother will win this tug of war'.

"When the struggle intensified I stepped up onto the curb and I reached over to hold on to the strap - I fell over on top of her. The man who tried to take the bag had the bulk of the bag up against his chest. I was watching the whole time.

"Then he said `just let it go' and at the same time he said that, I could see there was something in his left hand. He was bent over and his left fist was clenched and he kept making a back and forth motion. Then I watched him turn to the right and run diagonally across the lawn."

Ms Rick explained to Assistant Justice Charles-Etta Simmons that during the struggle she was never more than three feet away from the attacker and her closest point, an arms length.

And when questioned by Crown counsel Anthony Blackman, Ms Rick maintained that she gave a full description of the suspect on the night of the crime, contrary to what Richardson's lawyer, Victoria Pearman contended - that the description came 24 hours later.

Mr. Blackman said: "Did you give Police a statement about the events that occurred that night concerning the matter that is before this court?"

"In general - yes," Ms Rick replied.

And of the Police line up, she said: "I had already made my ID. When I walked in the room, in my mind I was already clear who it was. I followed the procedure - I was asked if I could make an ID and I said `yes'. I went up and put my hand on the shoulder of the suspect. The lead officer asked if I was identifying him as the suspect and I said `yes, absolutely'."

When asked how she could be so sure, Ms Rick said: "It was his eyes. He has the same facial characteristics as a female friend of mine back home. They both have the same fat pockets - I don't want to be insulting, but it's not a characteristic that many people have. It makes them very distinguishable."

She added: "I am an anthropologist and a sociologist, I am trained to be observant."

However, under heavy cross examination, Ms Pearman, charged that the lighting condition around the crime area was not very good making it difficult for Ms Rick to see the attacker clearly.

And she further argued that Ms Rick's eyewitness description of the suspect came after Police showed her photographs, in an effort to coax her into identifying a suspect.

Ms Pearman said: "You gave in your written statement, descriptions of characteristics, height, build and you told Police he was medium-build, light- skinned and had a full head of hair, closely cut - you didn't say anything about eyes,"

Ms Rick replied: "No - it was a general description."

Ms Pearman asked: "And isn't it true that the Police showed you a set of photographs with the purpose to try and identify the suspect? And isn't it true that you were unable to identify any of the suspects as your assailant, although you did refer to one that most closely resembled him?"

Ms Rick replied: "On the first look I admit that I was unwilling to chose the person, because of my training.

"When you're an anthropologist or sociologist, you don't point fingers. That was in my mind. It's not that I was unable to - I was unwilling to."

The case continues today, when Ms Rick continues her testimony.