Season's greeting met with violence as robberts grabbed victim from behind
A reveller's seasonal greeting was rewarded with violence when two thugs grabbed him from behind and pulled a gold chain from his neck as he made his way home on Christmas Eve.
Victim Taranjit Bains was walking along Smethwick High Street when he was jumped by Abid Omed and his accomplice just moments after wishing them a 'Merry Christmas'.
The pair were each jailed for one year and seven months at Wolverhampton Crown Court in November after being found guilty of attempted robbery.
Details of the case emerged today after Omed, 24, of Beeches Road, West Bromwich, launched a bid to clear his name at London's Criminal Appeal Court.
His lawyers argued his conviction was 'unsafe' because the judge misdirected the jury.
But his appeal was thrown out by three of the country's top judges, who said the evidence against him and his accomplice was 'overwhelming'.
Lady Justice Sharp told the court Mr Bains was walking home from the Old Talbot pub shortly after 11pm on December 24 last year when he met the pair.
He had a brief conversation with them, after they asked him where another pub was.
He then wished them 'Merry Christmas' and continued on his way, but was grabbed from behind moments later.
One of the thugs tried to pin his arms by his sides, while the other attempted to pull the chain from around his neck.
The chain broke and the pair ran off, with Mr Bains chasing after them. He flagged down a passing police car and Omed and his accomplice were caught nearby.
Mr Bains found his chain inside his t-shirt and the pendant from it was found close to where the attempted mugging took place.
The pair denied any wrongdoing, claiming there was a scuffle with Mr Bains after an argument, but they were both found guilty.
Lawyers for Omed argued the trial judge didn't give the jury enough guidance as to whether what happened amounted to an attempted robbery.
But, dismissing the appeal, Lady Justice Sharp said jurors were given clear directions and there was a powerful case against him.
Sitting with Mr Justice Stewart and Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, she added: "
There is no reason to doubt the safety of this conviction and this appeal is dismissed."
