Police who swam after an alleged burglar who'd jumped overboard caught him and retrieved jewellery he'd allegedly stolen, a jury heard.

Neville Woods, 41, is accused of two break-ins in his home community of St. David's on the afternoon of May 20.

Opening his Supreme Court trial yesterday, prosecutor Nicole Smith explained that jewellery, money and a pair of men's shoes were stolen in the first burglary on Tranquillity Lane. Jewellery was stolen from the other home on Chapel of Ease Road.

Approximately two hours later, the defendant who was living on Tommy Fox Road at the time was seen walking along St. David's Road.

"He was walking a pitbull puppy and he had a knapsack on his back. Police saw him and stopped him and talked to him. He became nervous and fidgety," said Ms Smith.

"He dropped the leash to the pitbull puppy and started to run away from the Police. The Police chased him and the defendant ran in the direction of Ballast Point Road. He jumped overboard and the Police followed him.

"The defendant swam to a neighbouring dock called Pirate's Dock and hung by a tyre on the dock. The Police saw him fidgeting and moving his shoulders.

"The defendant then swam to a boat that was moored by the dock and disposed of the knapsack that he had on his back. He then swam to another boat and hid himself. The Police jumped overboard and eventually caught up with the defendant and arrested him."

A short time later, the Police went diving and found the stolen jewellery on the seabed by the tyre Woods hung off. They found a jewellery box inside the tyre. Ms Smith claimed the actions of Woods in trying to get away, coupled with the jewellery being found where it was, shows he was the burglar.

Woods, who is currently in custody, denies the burglary charges and the case continues.