A FORMER Wales rugby star was attacked by his neighbour, who ripped her nightdress and exposed her breasts in what a prosecutor described as "six or seven minutes of madness".

The woman's husband also drove a tractor at Hemi Taylor's Teifi Valley home, at Gwernyrefail, Cross Inn, Llandysul, where the ex- Cardiff forward lives with his wife Carys.

Cardigan magistrates heard that Janice Lesley Griffiths, threw punches at the 46-year-old former star New Zealander.

With arms flailing, she punched him several times to the upper body, picked up a piece of wood and continued the attack, the court heard.

Mr Taylor had that day been released from hospital where he was treated for a viral infection and was extremely weak. He did not retaliate but managed to fended off the attack, the court was told.

Darrell Griffiths, who a few hours earlier had attended his father's funeral, drove his tractor straight through the wooden gate, smashing it to pieces, and damaged a house sign and bollards.

He headed straight for the house where Mrs Taylor was with her two-year-old child before doing a U-turn on the lawn. He got down from the tractor in an animated state and told Mr Taylor: "I'm going to kill you."

The attacks ended abruptly and the couple left.

The ugly scenes on the evening of July 23 last year had a sequel at Cardigan Magistrates' Court where the couple appeared for sentence.

Darrell Griffiths, aged 56, of Ffynnon Gynnen, Cross Inn, who was represented by Aled Owen, pleaded guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage amounting to £2,237.60.

His 54-year-old wife admitted common assault.

Referring to an assertion by the couple that there had been a boundary dispute between the neighbours, Mr Pritchard Jones said: "It was complete nonsense. This was made up by the Griffithses to muddy the waters and justify their behaviour."

When arrested Darrell Griffiths told police: "I admit everything. I caused the damage."

He added that after attending his father's funeral he had a mental breakdown and his actions were completely out of character.

Referring to Darrell Griffiths as "meek and mild mannered", Mr Owen said: "They are deeply ashamed of their behaviour on that day."

Darrell Griffiths was fined £210 with £125 costs and £15 victim surcharge and ordered to pay compensation.

Janice Griffiths was fined £150 with costs and victim surcharge.