Ford Ka 1.3 Duratec Starting problem

[Tricky54]

I'm trying to start my mother's 2003 1.3 Duratec Ford Ka. It hasn't run for about 9months when it started and ran perfectly. The tank is half full. The battery has been maintained with an Optimate Charger/Conditioner. I have just come to start the engine and it spins over perfectly but there is no sign of life at all. I'm not familiar with the fuelling and ignition systems on this car so need some tips and pointers to where to start diagnosing the problem.

My first hurdle is that my large plug socket won't fit over the spark plugs due to lack of space around the plug.
Once I can get a plug out I can check if there's any spark and possibly fuel reaching the cylinders. Is there a better way to check for fuel reaching the cylinders - I presume it is fuel injected so not sure where to disconnect fuel lines to check flow or even to empty tank and fuel lines before trying fresh petrol. Would it have an electric or mechanical fuel pump?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.